South African Football Association (Safa) boss appeared in court and was granted bail as he was arrested for fraud.
Safa president Danny Jordaan (73), the association’s CFO Gronnie Hluyo (55) and businessman Trevor Neethling (46), who owns Grit Communications, appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Palm Ridge, Ekurhuleni on Wednesday, 13 November.
The trio was arrested by the Hawks on Wednesday, 13 November and face charges of fraud and theft. They were each granted R20 000 bail.
They were arrested following an intensive investigation into allegations of R1,3 million fraud and theft.
The allegations are that between 2014 and 2018, Jordaan used Safa’s resources for his personal gain, including hiring a private security company for his personal protection and appointing a public relations company without authorisation from the Safa board.
Search seizure warrants were executed on 8 March at the Safa office where an assortment of electronic gadgets and files were seized for further investigation, thus leading to the arrest.
Through their affidavits, the trio communicated that they intend to plead not guilty.
Magistrate Phillip Venter allowed Jordaan access to his passport to travel.
“You are allowed to travel and attend Safa duties. However, you have to communicate with the investigating officer prior to your travels,” said Venter.
He said that Jordaan needs to attend court proceedings.
However, Venter said Neethling and Hluyo must handover their passports.
