Comedian Livhuwani "SABC Livhu" Madadzhe remains in custody after terminating the mandate of Mudau and Netshipise Attorneys, who had been his instructing attorneys. This emerged during his court appearance on Thursday, 4 December, at the Thohoyandou High Court, sitting in Waterval.
Mudau and Netshipise Attorneys had notified the court of their withdrawal on 28 November, leaving Madadzhe without legal representation. Although the court allowed him an opportunity to appoint new lawyers, he did not have the required documents to do so. The court granted him 20 minutes to obtain these, causing further delays as he met with attorney Khuliso Negota and Advocate Ntsako Hlungwani, who had been instructed by Mudau and Netshipise Attorneys to represent him.
Madadzhe's appearance was in relation to the fraud charges to which he has pleaded guilty. The charges date back to 2017, when he allegedly falsified his mother's death to claim insurance money. He reportedly succeeded with one claim but failed in a subsequent attempt to defraud FNB after his sister informed the bank that their mother was still alive.
The court had expected his legal team to provide a pre-sentencing report, but this did not happen as Negota and Hlungwani could no longer represent him, given that they acted on behalf of Mudau and Netshipise Attorneys, whose mandate had been terminated.
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Judge Thogomelani Tshidada read the termination letter submitted by Mudau and Netshipise Attorneys and questioned Negota and Hlungwani about it. They said they were unaware of the withdrawal.
When asked to verify, Negota questioned Madadzhe, who confirmed that he had ended their mandate. Judge Tshidada said: "During the interval Mr Negota approached the judge to say that the situation does not look good regarding their appointment."
Judge Tshidada continued: "Negota found out that Mudau and Netshipise Attorneys were the ones funding your [Madadzhe] litigation. Their withdrawal therefore also meant the withdrawal of their funding. They further confirmed that they have not instructed any attorney or advocate to represent you. This means the mandate of Advocate Hlungwani and Mr Negota's office has also come to an end."
Madadzhe told the court he could not afford legal fees and needed time outside custody to raise money. He said: "I do not have money to pay my lawyers. I am struggling to pay school fees for my children. I also have a problem with my one eye, and at Matatshe I could not get medication. I was supposed to be taken to Elim Hospital, which did not happen."
Madadzhe asked the court to reinstate his bail, but Judge Tshidada dismissed the application and ordered Matatshe Correctional Facility's medical personnel to ensure that he is transported to a public health facility for examination and treatment.
Madadzhe is scheduled to appear again on 6 January 2026. When asked if he was satisfied with the new date, he replied: "That date is fine, and Happy Christmas and New Year my Lord."