PROSECUTOR DENIED BAIL FOR ALLEGED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE-RELATED CHARGES

By Lumka Mahanjana
NPA Regional Spokesperson

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the decision of the Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court to deny bail to Advocate Lucas Motshabi (42), a Senior State Advocate attached to the Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) in the Kimberley office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

This outcome underscores the NPA’s firm stance that acts of domestic violence will not be tolerated, regardless of the position held by the accused, and affirms the Authority’s commitment to protecting victims and upholding the rule of law without fear, favour or prejudice.

Advocate Motshabi is facing charges of contravention of a protection order, malicious damage to property, and assault with grievous bodily harm.

It is alleged that in November 2025, the complainant, who is the accused’s wife, obtained a protection order against him from the Pretoria North Magistrates’ Court.

In December 2025, both parties opened criminal cases against each other, were arrested, and later released on bail.

The matters were postponed to February 2026, where they both withdrew charges against each other through mediation.

However, on 21 February 2026, few days after the withdrawal of the charges, it is alleged that the accused went unannounced to the residence previously shared by the couple in Pretoria North, despite bail conditions prohibiting his return.

An argument ensued between the two, during which the accused allegedly assaulted the complainant, removed children’s clothing from a wardrobe in the presence of a minor child, he damaged the motor gate, deflated all four tyres of the complainant’s vehicle, and left the scene.

The complainant reported the matter to the police.

Following investigations by the police, the accused handed himself over to the police and was arrested on 03 March 2026.

During the bail application, the prosecutor, Advocate Tumelo Letaoana, successfully opposed bail based on the seriousness of the offences, violation of a protection order, and because the complainant feared for her life.

Adv Letaoana further argued that the accused posed a flight risk, because he concealed his Kimberley address.

The court agreed with the State’s submissions and denied bail.

The National Director of Public Prosecutions, Advocate Andy Mothibi, reaffirmed that the NPA remains resolute in its mandate to act decisively against all forms of criminality, including domestic violence, and to ensure accountability within its own ranks.

“The NPA holds all its officials to the highest ethical and professional standards.

Any deviation from this conduct will be met with appropriate consequences, and the law will take its course,” said adv Mothibi.

The matter has been postponed to 07 May 2026 for the Regional Court screening.