The Legal Practice Council (LPC) says it will investigate the conduct of a lawyer who, through her client's instructions, bought a R1,5m house for a meagre R1,000.
The lawyer was representing a woman who was divorcing her hubby whom she was married to in community of property. Part of their 2022 divorce settlement was to share the profits of the R1,5m house in Riviera Park North in Mahikeng, North West.
The auction had only two people bidding, one being the woman's lawyer. This week the court set aside the sale, deeming it unfair.
"As LPC we condemn misconduct by legal practitioners. We will consider the judgment and investigate the matter in terms of Rule 39," said LPC spokesperson Kabelo Letebele.
The house whose bond had been paid off has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a guest toilet, a study, lounge, dining area and a kitchen. It also has a single garage and two carports.
The area is quiet, and not far from the villages, said Loreen Agbeko, an estate agent in the area.
She said the houses in the area go for between R1m and R2m. On average, the properties are three bedrooms and up. She described the area as clean and well-maintained.
The sheriff of the court, Pokkels Ackerman, who was responsible for the auction, said it was possible but not common for a house worth R1,5m to be sold for less.
"In this case all steps were taken. He (ex-husband) was given all the documentation and still said he didn't know the auction would be in the sheriff's office."
The ex-husband's lawyer Douglas Kruger said he took on the matter because the sale was unfair and unjust. Kruger said had the sale went through, then his client would not have received his half-share.
As LPC we condemn misconduct by legal practitioners. We will consider the judgment and investigate the matter in terms of Rule 39.
— LPC spokesperson Kabelo Letebele
Kruger said his client had initially thought the auction would be at the house, but it was at the sheriff's office.
"The sheriff should not have proceeded with the sale because there were not enough bidders and the actual price of the house was not achieved on that day, you'd rather cancel and then rearrange another date," Kruger said.
"As a teacher, he worked very hard for this house, and he said he was also responsible for the interior decoration of the house as well."
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