South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan and Chief Financial Officer Gronie Hluyo are fighting to have their R1.3 million fraud and theft case thrown out of court. Their legal battle resumed on 5 December 2024 at the Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, where the two appeared alongside co-accused Trevor Neethling, the head of Grit Communications. The trio, out on bail of R20,000 each, faced another postponement, with proceedings now set for 10 December.
Hawks’ Raid Sparks Legal Wrangling
Jordaan and Hluyo’s case stems from a 2020 complaint filed by former SAFA executive committee member Willie Mooka, whose allegations led to a controversial Hawks raid on SAFA House in March 2024. Jordaan and SAFA have since launched a High Court review, calling the raid “unlawful and malicious,” adding another layer to the ongoing legal drama.
According to their legal representative Norman Arendse, delays in resolving the High Court matter could affect the fraud case, prompting Jordaan and Hluyo to apply for the case to be struck from the roll. They plan to invoke Section 342A of the Criminal Procedure Act, which addresses unreasonable delays in criminal proceedings that could prejudice the accused.
State Alleges Conflict of Interest
The State, however, is pushing back, claiming that Arendse’s representation of Jordaan constitutes a conflict of interest. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane explained that Arendse also performs legal duties for SAFA, the complainant in the case, raising ethical concerns. The court will consider this claim on 10 December, and if upheld, Jordaan will need to find new legal representation. Arendse denied the allegations, asserting that the State’s move was designed to discredit him.
Neethling: A Pawn in SAFA Politics?
Unlike Jordaan and Hluyo, Neethling has not joined the application to dismiss the case over delays. His lawyer, James Ndebele, hinted that Neethling might join the motion later. Ndebele reiterated that Neethling had fulfilled his contractual obligations to SAFA and was merely a scapegoat in the ongoing power struggles within the organisation.
Delayed Justice and Operational Setbacks
This latest court appearance almost didn’t happen. A payment delay by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure caused a disruption in electricity at the East Rand court, delaying proceedings earlier in the week. The department cited technical issues but has since resolved the problem, ensuring the court could resume operations.
What’s Next?
The court will reconvene on 10 December to address the two critical applications: the conflict of interest claim against Arendse and Jordaan and Hluyo’s plea for the case to be struck off the roll. The outcome will determine whether this high-profile legal saga continues or ends prematurely, potentially reshaping the future of SAFA leadership and the reputations of those involved.
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