SELF-PROCLAIMED Soweto billionaire Mandla Lamba's bid to have his leg irons removed has failed

Lamba's attorney, Paul Ndala, tried twice to get the leg irons removed but failed.

Ndala brought up the matter in June when Lamba appeared in the Orlando magistrate's court but presiding officer Itumeleng Bapepile, sitting in for magistrate Anton le Roux, advised Ndala to make an application to Le Roux.

Earlier that month Le Roux had denied Lamba bail because he was a flight risk. Le Roux also labelled Lamba a liar.

On Friday Ndala said: "I have been instructed by my client ... I would like to get clarity. Why is my client always in leg irons?"

Le Roux responded: "The last time your client was out on bail he absconded. He never returned to this court. He is dishonest and a flight risk. I hope that is clear now."

Lamba allegedly approached several taxi owners and promised to help them buy new vehicles provided they each deposited R40000 into his bank account.

After the money was deposited Lamba disappeared and the taxi operators opened cases of fraud and theft in 2008. He absconded when the case was in its final stages.

Police said Lamba was also involved in a freak car accident in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg, in 2007. Wayne Greeff and his 8-year-old son Brandon were killed in the accident..

Lamba was charged with culpable homicide but again absconded when the case was about to be finalised. He has a warrant of arrest pending against him for the case.

The matter was postponed to August 23 for further investigations.