The SCA has dismissed with costs an application by prominent Limpopo-based lawyer Tumi Mokwena to stop the Law Society of the Northern Provinces from inspecting all trust accounts and books relating to his practice.

A News24 report notes Mokwena approached the SCA after his appeal against a Limpopo High Court order to open his files for inspection was dismissed last year.

He applied to the SCA for reconsideration or variation of the decision. However, the SCA found that Mokwena had failed to provide exceptional circumstances.

The matter originates from a complaint lodged with the Law Society by a member of the Bjatladi Communal Property Association, which is the beneficiary of the Zebediela Citrus Estate through the land reform programme.

The complaint involved R10m deposited into Mokwena's law firm trust account and a further R28m made available through several payments by Exotic Fruit Company.

All the money remains unaccounted for.

This happened when Mokwena was running the affairs of the citrus estate on behalf of the communal property association.

The law society has indicated it has instructed its audit department to commence with the inspection of the law firm's accounts and books. Mokwena is also facing an application for liquidation brought by local businessman Sthembiso Bethuel Bosch in the Limpopo High Court.

Bosch apparently deposited R1.5m and a further R150 000 into Mokwena's trust account for the purchase of a property that did not materialise.

Mokwena is opposing the application.

Full News24 report