Fraud-accused SAFA president Danny Jordaan, co-accused granted bail

JOHANNESBURG - Fraud-accused president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan, said he intends to plead not guilty to all charges against him.
 
Jordaan on Wednesday made his first appearance at the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court sitting in Palm Ridge. 
 
He appeared alongside SAFA chief financial officer, Gronie Hluyo, and businessman, Trevor Neethling.
 
The trio is accused of defrauding the football association of R1.3 million.

On Tuesday, Jordaan and Hluyo filed an urgent interdict at the Johannesburg High Court to stop their arrests. 
 
However, the interdict proved to be moot as the Hawks nabbed them at their homes on Wednesday morning. 
 
In Jordaan’s affidavit, which was read into the court record by his lawyer Victor Nkwashu, he said he intended on pleading not guilty. 
 
"From the cursory reading of the warrant of arrest, I intend to plead not guilty to all the charges and I believe I will be acquitted because the State has no case at all against me. I am of the well-considered view that this arrest is an abuse of the process."
 
The three men have been released on R20,000 bail, with the matter returning to court on 5 December.