SA Football Association President Danny Jordaan and his two co-accused have been granted R20,000 bail each by the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. The trio appeared in court today after their arrest this morning on charges of fraud and theft. 

THE CHARGES

Jordan (73), SAFA chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo (55) and businessman Trevor Neethling (46) were arrested by the Hawks on allegations of R1.3 million in fraud and theft today. According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, between 2014 and 2018, Jordaan allegedly used SAFA's resources for his gain, including hiring a private security company for his protection and a public relations company without authorisation from the SAFA board. "Jordaan is also reported to have violated SAFA statutes, thus prejudicing SAFA an actual loss of R1.3 million. The serious commercial crime investigation charged with probing the allegations executed search seizure warrants on 8 March 2024 at the association's office, where an assortment of electronic gadgets and files were seized for further investigation, thus leading to the arrest," Mogale said.

A VOLUNTEER AT SAFE

Negotiating his bail amount, Jordaan said that he earns no salary at SAFA but renders services as a volunteer. He also told the court that he only gets an honorarium payment of between R0.00 and R100 000 annually, depending on the performance of the soccer body. He also declared that he has two properties in Johannesburg and Gqeberha worth R10 million and two cars worth a combined value of R850 000.

BAIL CONDITIONS

Magistrate Phillip Venter, who presided over the matter, said the R20,000 bail amount was reasonable. He has granted Jordaan permission to travel for SAFA commitments but told him to make sure that he never misses a court appearance. "Accused number two and three, your travelling is much more restricted; it's not a severe need for you to have your passport, so I'm going to ask you to hand in the passports. So, gentlemen, you will be in custody until you've paid the quantum of R 20,000. You will be released to appear on the 5th of December in court 9 towards 8:30. If you fail to appear, a warrant will be authorised, and the bail will be revoked. Your legal representative cannot excuse you from attendance. Mr. Jordaan, on your travels, you need to make sure you avail yourself for court appearances; that means, if needed, you will miss SAFA commitments," Venter said.