JOHANNESBURG – The fraud and theft case against South African Football Association (Safa) president DannyJordaan and four co-accused has been postponed to 14 April after the defence requested more time to prepare for trial.
The Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Palm Ridge granted the postponement on Wednesday following a defence application for additional time to consult with the accused. The defence also requested that the matter be provisionally struck off the roll, citing pending review applications before the Johannesburg High Court.
However, the State opposed the application to strike the case off the roll and argued that it has remained ready to proceed with the trial throughout.
Jordaan appears alongside former Safa chief financial officer Gron Hluyo, former journalist and director of Grit Communications Trevor Neethling, his entity Grit Communications, and Russell Paul.
The five face multiple charges, including fraud involving more than R1 million, theft, and conspiracy to commit fraud and theft.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the NPA remains committed to seeing the matter through. “The NPA remains ready to proceed with the trial and is committed to the finalisation of the matter. The State will oppose any delays that may undermine the administration of justice,” Mohlatlole said.
According to the State’s case, Jordaan unlawfully signed and backdated a Service Level Agreement between Safa and Grit Communications for public relations and communication services in December 2017. The agreement was allegedly not approved through proper Safa processes and was purportedly intended to protect Jordaan’s personal image.
Jordaan is further accused of procuring security services for personal use under the guise of Safa business.
The State alleges that Hluyo authorised payments to Grit Communications and a security company despite knowing that the agreements were unauthorised and unlawful.
All five accused remain on bail of R20 000 each until their next court appearance.
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