In a Significant Development Within South African Football, andile “Ace” ncobo, the general Manager of the premier soccer league (PSL), and his Wife, Salome Ncobo, have Been Formally Charged with Fraud and Money Laundering. The Charges Stem from a R15 Million Donation Intended for the Construction of School Facilities in the Eastern cape.
Court Appearance and Bail Details:
On May 5, 2025, the Ncobos appeared in the Bellville Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town. The case has been under investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) for over a decade.They were Granted Bail, with Ace Ncobo set at R50,000 and Salome Ncobo at R30,000.
The Alleged Scheme:
In 2008, Gangatha Junior Secondary School applied for a donation through PetroSA to build new classrooms, an administration block, ablution facilities, a science laboratory, a computer laboratory, develop the sports field, and erect a security fence. PetroSA agreed to donate R13 million to rebuild the school. An unregistered entity, the King’s Gangatha Building Trust, was established to facilitate the funding and rebuilding of the school. Ncobo Oversaw and Managed the Construction, Which Commenced in November 2008 and was Completed in September 2009. However, the School never Authorized him to Act as its Representative or to be Appointed as a Project Manager.
The Hawks allege that the Ncobos misrepresented PetroSA by claiming that Gangatha Junior Secondary School required infrastructure. They submitted proposals supported by forged trust deeds and donor documentation, creating a false impression that Gangatha Projects, a non-registered entity, was a legitimate channel for school development. PetroSA, relying on these presentations, paid R13 million to Gangatha JSS. The trust deed associated with King’s Gangatha Building Trust was not registered, and the signatures were allegedly falsified. The Gangatha Project bank account received approximately R13 million, and the scheme was executed through the submission of falsified documents, creation of fictitious or unregistered entities, and subsequent laundering of the proceeds through a personal account.
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Impact on South African Football:
This development has sent shockwaves through South African football, as Ncobo has been a prominent figure in the sport. Ncobo, a former international Referee and four-time PSL Referee of the Season Winner, has also Contributed to the Professional game through his involvement with SuperSport television productions. His alleged involvement in this scandal Raises Serious Questions about Governance and Accountability within South African football administration.His reappointment as PSL General Manager in February 2023 was seen as a move to bring stability and experience to the league.
Key Takeaways:
- Charges: Fraud and money laundering
- Amount Involved: R15 million donation intended for school infrastructure
- Court: Bellville Magistrate’s Court, Cape Town
- Bail: Ace Ncobo – R50,000; Salome Ncobo – R30,000
- Investigation Duration: Over a decade
- Alleged Scheme: Misrepresentation of school infrastructure needs, submission of forged documents, creation of unregistered entities, and laundering of proceeds.
The case is ongoing, and further developments are expected as the legal proceedings unfold.