How Carte Blanche unmasked fake advocate
In a recent virtual sting carried out by investigative television programme, Carte Blanche, its presenter Derek Watts demonstrated his cross-examination skills when he bust fake advocate Pauline Pretorius, who was masquerading as admitted Advocate Johanna Petronella Jansen van Vuuren.
Watts entered the fray in an online taxation conducted by Gauteng High Court (Johannesburg) Taxing Master, Victor Maqala.
Pretorius’ explanations didn’t deter Watts who continued his online interrogation which ended with Watts introducing Pretorius to the advocate whose identity she had stolen.
Maqala said that the allegations against Pretorius were serious and he postponed the taxation.
The real advocate has reported the theft of her identity to the police and to the Legal Practice Council.
Article disclaimer: While we have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of this article, it is not intended to provide final legal advice as facts and situations will differ from case to case, and therefore specific legal advice should be sought with a lawyer.
