Court dismisses recusal application in Danny Jordaan fraud case

Malebati found himself facing a hearing, which took place earlier this week, after he was fingered by James Ndebele, the legal representative for Trevor Neethling and Grit Communications, as having been “tainted”. 

Ndebele alleged that the prosecutor used underhanded tactics to access client-attorney privileged information from email host company Afrihost, which has put their case in jeopardy. 

However, Magistrate P. Keswa ruled on Friday that the defence had not made a strong enough argument in the matter.

Upon the handing down of the judgment, Ndebele almost immediately indicated their intentions to take the matter to the High Court for review, which will likely affect the date set for the case to continue.

It was last month postponed to February 11, with the aim of deciding on a trial date, and that will now be affected by a High Court application, which will only be filed in the new year. 

READ: Silence from SAFA as CHAN squad awaits outstanding fees

The backlog in the High Court could see the the hearing moved to a date later in the year, with a source close to the matter telling SABC Sport that “it will be impossible for Malebati to continue being involved while there’s a pending hearing against him at the High Court." 

This may suggest, at least according to our deep throat, the trial at Palm Ridge Magistrate's Court would not be commencing in February. 

Jordaan was arrested, along with SAFA CFO Gronie Hluyo and Grit Communications boss Trevor Neethling, just over a year ago on allegations of defrauding the football association of R1.3 Million.

Meanwhile, former the association's acting CEO Russell Paul was added to the list of the accused just two months ago, with charges of being a co-conspirator in the matter.