SAFA hits back at the Hawks following raid on headquarters
SAFA has hit back at allegations of fraud and corruption aimed at Danny Jordaan after the Hawks raided their headquarters on Friday.
On Friday it came to light that the Hawks’ Serious Commercial Crime Investigation unit had executed search and seizure warrants at the offices of the South African Football Association (SAFA).
The Hawks are claiming allegations of fraud and theft amounting to R1,3 million, but SAFA has hit back with a strongly worded statement.
SAFA RESPOND TO ‘MALICIOUS ACTIONS BY THE HAWKS’
“We want to set it out from the onset that we believe the search was unlawful, malicious and not conducted in terms of the directives of a warrant given to us,” a statement read.
“We were not furnished with all the documents prescribed by law. The documents that were furnished by the Hawks during the shameful raid were incomplete and unlawful. We contend that it was done deliberately and intentionally in order to action this malicious action.
“As a result of this, we have instructed our attorneys to bring an urgent application to review and set aside this search and seizure. We have further instructed our attorneys to bring a formal complaint to the oversight arbitrator of the Hawks regarding the action of all involved members.
“We will further institute civil action for defamation of character against those involved in the naming of the SAFA President’s name in an ongoing investigation. We contend that this is unethical and unlawful as the police never mentioned anyone’s name in matters that are under investigation.
“We believe, unfortunately, that these members of the police have been compromised and are being used in the callous abuse of state resources. Let us reiterate, there is no money missing from SAFA.”
CENTRE OF INVESTIGATION
South African Police Services spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale seemed to suggest that President of SAFA Dr Danny Jordaan would be called to answer for certain actions.
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 SAFA 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.”