The state prosecutor in the matter against SAFA president Danny Jordan has brought forward an application in court for his new lawyer, Norman Arendse, to recuse himself. The state alleges that Arendse is an employee of SAFA; as such, he is conflicted in the matter.

DELAYING TACTIC

Arendse argued that the state prosecutor was attempting to embarrass him before the court and the court had addressed the matter with him before the sitting. Meanwhile, the accused also brought forward an application before the court alleging that the state is unreasonably delaying the matter. Both matters will be heard by the court next Tuesday. National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Phindi Mjondwane confirmed that the state brought forward an application alleging that Jordan's lawyer is an employee of SAFA; as such, him representing Jordan is a conflict of interest. "If the state can prove beyond reasonable doubt that he is indeed conflicted, Jordan will have to find new legal representation,' she said. Jordan and co-accused, chief financial officer at SAFA Gronie Hluyo (55) and Trevor Neethling (46) of Grit Communication, are facing charges of theft and fraud of R1.3 million. It is alleged Jordan used SAFA resources to hire a private security company for his personal protection and a public relations firm to help clear his name without authorisation from the SAFA Board between 2014 and 2018.

CO-ACCUSED USED AS SCAPEGOATS

The trio is out on an extended bail of R20 000. As part of their bail conditions, they are not to have any contact with the 19 witnesses, with some being former SAFA officials. Advocate James Ndebele, who is representing accused two and four, said his clients were used as scapegoats in the fight between Jordan and former members of the association. "My clients rendered the services that they were contracted to deliver and it is not true that he was hired to clear his public image. We have furnished the state with evidence and they had until November 16 to consider it,' Ndebele said.

Meanwhile, the former Speaker of the Parliament, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, was back at the Pretoria High Court today, where she is facing charges of money laundering and corruption. The court was meant to hear the disclosure of the docket, but her legal team opposed this for an additional disclosure. State prosecutor Bheki Manyathi argued that they were not ready to continue with the hearing as they still had to go through the volume of documents submitted by Ncakula. The matter has been postponed to 20 January 2025 and her R50,000 bail was extended.