By Thabo Mosia
On Wednesday, 13 November 2024, the Specialized Commercial Crimes Court in Palm Ridge granted bail of R20,000 each to South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan, Chief Financial Officer Gronie Hluyo, and businessman Trevor Neethling. The trio faces charges of fraud and theft amounting to R1.3 million, allegedly misappropriated between 2014 and 2018.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
Magistrate Phillip Venter presided over the bail hearing, during which the state proposed bail at R20,000 for each accused. The court imposed conditions requiring the accused to surrender their passports and refrain from contacting any witnesses involved in the case. The matter has been postponed to 5 December 2024 for disclosure.
Jordaan’s legal representative requested the court to relax the passport surrender condition, citing his extensive travel obligations related to his role at SAFA, including the upcoming Bafana Bafana match against Uganda. The state opposed this request, arguing that the condition is standard in such cases to prevent flight risk.
Accusations and Defence Responses
The charges stem from allegations that Jordaan, during his tenure as SAFA President, utilised the organisation’s resources for personal gain without board authorisation. This includes hiring a private security company for personal protection and engaging a public relations firm. Hluyo and Neethling are implicated in facilitating these transactions.
In his bail affidavit, Hluyo referenced a High Court application seeking to stay their arrest, asserting that the state lacks sufficient evidence to substantiate the claims against him. Neethling, director of Grit Communication, contended that his company was contracted for 12 months at R80,000 per month (excluding tax) to enhance SAFA’s image. He maintained that he had no reason to doubt Jordaan’s authority to sign the contract and described himself as “collateral damage” in SAFA’s internal conflicts.
Arrest and Legal Proceedings
The Hawks, South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, executed arrest warrants for Jordaan, Hluyo, and Neethling earlier that day. Jordaan, aged 74, was arrested at his home after allegedly failing to surrender himself as advised by the investigating officer on 7 November. He had filed an interdict application in the High Court, set to be heard on 14 November, seeking to prevent his arrest.
All three accused confirmed in court that they have no prior convictions or pending cases against them. Jordaan denied all charges, describing his arrest as an abuse of process and expressing concern over potential irreparable harm should the High Court rule in his favour.
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
_______________________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza #freestate