SAFA HQ raided by Hawks in fraud probe
SAFA HQ was raided by the Hawks as part of an investigation into fraud and corruption allegations amid calls for Jordaan’s resignation.
The Hawks have issued a statement confirming that members of its Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit executed search and seizure warrants at the offices of the South African Football Association (SAFA).
South African Police Services spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, said the raid was conducted on Friday morning.
HAWKS RAID SAFA HQ
Mogale appeared to suggest that the subject of the investigation is none other than the President of SAFA Dr Danny Jordaan.
Mogale said: “The allegations are that between 2014 and 2018, the president of SAFA used the organization’s resources for his personal gain including hiring a private security company for his personal protection, a Public Relations company without authorisation from the Board.
“The president is also reported to have violated SAFA statutes thus prejudicing SAFA an actual loss of R1.3 million.
“During the search, a laptop, external hard drives, a USB and documents were seized.”
FOLLOW UP FROM MUMBLE ALLEGATIONS
As reported by the Daily Maverick back in July 2023 Jordaan is a named suspect in a criminal complaint brought by Safa national executive committee member Malesela Mooka.
Mooka is, in part supported by affidavits submitted by Lucas Nhlapo, former vice president and former chair of the Safa audit and risk committee, and former Safa CEO Dennis Mumble.
The Hawks raid follows these allegations.
THE HENDERSON REPORT
That case came on the heels of the release of the Henderson report, which alleges Jordaan and others at the organisation are guilty of serious corruption.
Forensic investigator Bart Henderson has issued a response to threats of legal action and alleges harrassment.
“Safa has been rocked by fraud and corruption scandals for well over a decade. First gaining international prominence in 2011, when investigations revealed several of host country South Africa’s national team matches leading up to the 2010 Fifa World Cup were bought,” reads the report by Henderson.
“Scandals have persisted into the 2020s.
“Safa has been accused of financial mismanagement and misuse of funds.
“Including improper handling of financial resources, irregularities in financial reporting, undisclosed expenses, and inadequate financial controls by a passing parade of vice presidents and CEOs,” it states.
The report is claimed to contain information that pertains to an ongoing Hawks investigation.
SAFA RETORT
SAFA had slammed the Henderson report as being filled with fabrications and threatened legal action.
“It’s necessary that we protect the brand of football, the brand of the South African Football Association as well,” the Safa CEO Lydia Monyepao told journalists in July.
“Ultimately it impacts on us and our engagements with corporate sponsors. Because we are always looking for further funding for our various projects,” Monyepao added.
“If corporates can’t come on board because of people saying negative things about the association, that cannot be proven, it impacts on us attracting more funds on board.
“Meaning that we do not have sufficient funds to do the various programs that we need to do.”