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'He was very drunk and vulgar'

LAWYER Mlungiseleni Soviti has vehemently denied that he was arrested for being "paralytically" drunk at the weekend

Johannesburg Metro police officer Khethiwe Mabote told reporters at the murder trial of Molemo "Jub Jub" Maarohanye and Themba Tshabalala that Soviti was arrested in Klipspruit, Soweto, on Saturday.

Several sources in the JMPD also said that Soviti was arrested for drunk driving. "He was paralytically drunk and quarrelsome," said one source.

Mabote said: "On Saturday I was on duty at Dube Vocational Alcohol Evidence Testing Centre. I keep records of people being brought in for drunken driving.

"I noticed a familiar face but at first I could not remember where I knew the person from. He (Soviti) tried to avoid eye contact. He was very drunk, talkative and vulgar."

Soviti represents Tshabalala in the murder trial.

Maarohanye and Tshabalala face charges of attempted murder, driving under the influence, reckless and negligent driving. They crashed their Mini Coopers into six pupils in Soweto last year while allegedly drag racing. Four were killed and two critically injured.

Mabote said: "He was saying 'I'm a bloody f*!ing lawyer'. He was restless and smelt of alcohol."

She said he told police his name was Tebogo Tsatsi and said he did not have his licence on him.

Soviti reportedly paid R1500 bail at the Kliptown police station and was released.

Colonel Tshisikhawe Ndou said: "A 29-year-old suspect was arrested on Saturday night in Klipspruit for drunken driving. He will appear in the Protea magistrate's court tomorrow (to day)."

Soviti denied the allegation.

"No, I was not arrested. I do not know what you talking about. Whoever told you that is lying. I am going to be a very rich man from this allegation.

"Tsatsi was a candidate attorney I took on in 2007. We do not look similar, maybe a fat face, but no," he said.

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