Law Society boss denies he lied to court

It says Judge Brian Southwood referred his judgment to the Law Society of the Northern Province's president, Tony Thobane, to investigate Matlala's conduct in the sale of a property. Matlala is also the president of the Black Lawyers Association. Southwood's complaint relates to Matlala's appointment as the trustee of an insolvent estate. Matlala denies lying in court. In March 2009, a property belonging to Amos and Anna Ndlovu was sold on auction for R761 000 after the owners failed to keep up their monthly repayments. The house was bought by Sivaprakash Naidoo and Irooshka Govinsamy. In July 2009, Matlala was appointed trustee of the Ndlovus' insolvent estate. As the property had not yet formally transferred to the new owners, Matlala informed Naidoo and Govinsamy that he would still entertain higher offers for the house. The owners took exception and went to court to have their ownership of the house confirmed. In court, Matlala claimed to have received a offer of R1.1m from a private company, but refused to identify the potential buyer. The report says Matlala showed City Press an undated offer to purchase the property. 'I was not untruthful in any manner in the evidence I presented before court,' he said. The court set aside Matlala's appointment as trustee. Matlala says he will appeal the judgment. Full City Press report