Deon Beukman, a 70-year-old attorney with 40+ years experience, misappropriated R50,000 in client funds from a 2009 property transaction. Despite multiple opportunities over 16 years to repay, including a settlement agreement and disciplinary order, he never returned the money
In a stunning fall from grace, veteran attorney Deon Beukman (70) has been permanently barred from practicing law by the Western Cape High Court. The reason? He kept R50,000 belonging to a client for 16 years – ignoring court orders, lying about the money, and betraying the trust placed in him.
Back in 2009, Ian Jacobs bought a property in Somerset West. Beukman handled the legal work. When the sale fell through due to the seller’s death, Jacobs got most of his money back—except R50,000.
- That R50,000 was a refund from the estate agent (Paul Matthews) to Beukman.
- Beukman never told Jacobs he had the money.
- He later admitted using it to pay his own legal bills.
This is a legal battle that has been going on for years, in 2019 Beukman agreed in a settlement to repay the money he owed but he did not. in 2021 Jacobs father had had enough with the attorneys lies and complained to the Legal Practice Council (LPC). even after he promised the LPC that he was going to pay Jacob in 6 month he did not
Beukman was held liable for misappropriating the clients funds. the court held that he could no longer practice law in the country and he must pay the client by 30 November or face jail for contempt of the court order.
