The fraud case against SAFA president Danny Jordaan took a significant turn after the NPA withdrew several charges from the case.
Danny Jordaan fraud case takes a turn
Jordaan, along with SAFA’s Chief Financial Officer Gronie Hluyo, was arrested last year on allegations of fraud, theft, and conspiracy to commit fraud related to the misuse of SAFA funds.
Jordaan made a brief court appearance at the Palm Ridge Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where it was confirmed that charges five, six, and seven—linked to theft amounting to R880,000—have been withdrawn.
According to NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, the law allows prosecutors to alter a charge sheet before an accused has pleaded, especially when new evidence emerges or investigations lead to changes in the available information.
“The law makes provision for the State to alter the charge sheet so long as an accused person has not yet pleaded as and when information becomes available or as and when the investigation uncovers certain information that brings changes to the evidence that we have,” Mjonondwane stated.
Despite the dropped charges, four counts remain against Jordaan and Hluyo, including conspiracy to commit fraud, fraud, and theft.
Does the State have a case?
The withdrawal of key charges raises questions about the strength of the prosecution’s case against Jordaan.
The fraud allegations stem from claims that he used SAFA funds for personal benefit, particularly to pay for public relations services following a 2017 rape allegation.
Initially, the case involved R1.3 million in unauthorised expenditures, which allegedly covered private security and PR services without SAFA board approval.
Investigators believe these transactions violated SAFA’s financial policies, leading to an actual financial loss for the organisation.
The Hawks, who conducted the initial investigation, confiscated laptops, USB drives, and documents during a raid at SAFA’s offices earlier last year.
However, with some charges now removed, it remains unclear whether the remaining evidence is strong enough to secure convictions on the remaining counts.
While fraud charges remain, the reduction in allegations could work in Jordaan’s favour. If the dropped theft charges were central to the case, the State may struggle to prove its broader claims of financial misconduct.
Jordaan’s legal team has yet to make a formal statement on the latest developments, but a bail hearing and further legal proceedings are expected to follow in the coming weeks.