A senior state advocate has been denied bail by the Pretoria North Magistrates Court in Gauteng following allegations of domestic violence, assault, and violation of a protection order.
Court Denies Bail
Magistrates Court Ruling
The Pretoria North Magistrates Court refused bail to Advocate Lucas Motshabi (42), a Senior State Advocate attached to the Asset Forfeiture Unit in the Kimberley office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The ruling underscores the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) position that domestic violence offences will not be tolerated, regardless of the accused’s professional standing.
Charges Against the Accused
Multiple Serious Offences
Motshabi is facing several charges, including:
- Contravention of a protection order
- Malicious damage to property
- Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH)
Background to the Case
Protection Order and Prior Cases
According to reports, the complainant—who is the accused’s wife—obtained a protection order against him in November 2025 at the Pretoria North Magistrates Court.
In December 2025, both parties opened criminal cases against each other. They were arrested and later released on bail.
The cases were postponed to February 2026, where both parties withdrew the charges through mediation.
Alleged Incident After Withdrawal of Charges
Violation of Bail Conditions
On 21 February 2026, just days after the withdrawal of charges, the accused allegedly went to the residence previously shared by the couple in Pretoria North—despite bail conditions prohibiting him from doing so.
Details of the Allegations
An argument reportedly broke out, during which the accused allegedly:
- Assaulted the complainant
- Removed children’s clothing from a wardrobe in front of a minor
- Damaged the motor gate
- Deflated all four tyres of the complainant’s vehicle
He then allegedly left the scene.
Arrest and Investigation
Accused Hands Himself Over
The complainant reported the incident to police. Following investigations, Motshabi handed himself over to authorities and was arrested on 03 March 2026.
State Opposes Bail
Concerns Raised in Court
During the bail hearing, prosecutor Advocate Tumelo Letaoana successfully opposed bail, citing:
- The seriousness of the charges
- Violation of a protection order
- Concerns for the complainant’s safety
The State also argued that the accused posed a flight risk, alleging he had concealed his Kimberley address.
Court Decision
Bail Application Rejected
The court agreed with the State’s submissions and denied bail, emphasizing the need to protect victims and uphold the rule of law.
Conclusion
The case highlights the NPA’s firm stance on domestic violence and its commitment to ensuring accountability, regardless of the accused’s position within the justice system.
