The ongoing fraud case against South African Football Association (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan, alongside his co-accused Gronie Hluyo (SAFA CFO) and businessman Trevor Neethling, has been postponed to December 10.
The trio appeared at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Palm Ridge on Thursday to face serious charges of fraud totalling a staggering R1.3 million.
The postponement was granted to allow two of the accused to file formal applications aimed at having the charges struck off the court’s roll. This decision comes against the backdrop of ongoing proceedings in two separate cases before the Gauteng High Court, Johannesburg.
According to the Hawks, the allegations relating to misappropriation of resources by Jordaan date back to the period from 2014 to 2018.
The SAFA president stands accused of leveraging SAFA’s financial assets for personal use, which reportedly included hiring a private security firm for his protection and engaging a public relations company without the necessary approval from the SAFA Board.
Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), elaborated on the nature of the upcoming hearings, highlighting that two distinct applications would be addressed by the court.
The first, initiated by the State, posits that Jordaan’s legal representation may be compromised by conflict of interest.
Mjonondwane also revealed that the second application is from the two accused, who are citing unreasonable delays in the proceedings. They plan to invoke Section 342A of the Criminal Procedure Act as part of their appeal, seeking relief from the court.
“And we will be bringing forth such evidence, and the court will make a decision. If the court finds that it is indeed conflicted, then Mr Jordaan will have to find another legal representing team.
“The second application is brought by the accused persons; they are citing unreasonable delays. So they are bringing applications in terms of 342A of the Criminal Procedure Act as part of their appeal. So the court will be entertaining both applications. As the State as well, we will be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations of unreasonable delay,” said Mjonondwane.
The Star