Mamelodi loses in court, to appear before DC
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Tuesday February 21, 2017 14:25
Mamelodi through his lawyer, Dutch Leburu had argued that the forensic audit report which has pointed out several acts of misconduct against his client was not properly conducted.
He sought the High Court judge, Lakvinder Walia yesterday to interdict the internal disciplinary hearing by the BFA.
Leburu said his client has been called for disciplinary hearing based on the findings of the audit but pointed out that Mamelodi was not interviewed during the forensic audit process.
He said his client does not even have transcripts of the witnesses who testified against him during the audit. Leburu went on to say that some of the offences levelled against Mamelodi relate to the old contract and not the current one which started in October 2015. Mamelodi’s current contract comes to an end in September this year.
However, the lawyer representing the association, Otto Itumeleng said Mamelodi should appear for a disciplinary hearing and defend himself. He said the court is not the right forum to deal with the matter at this point. Itumeleng said Mamelodi can still call witnesses at the disciplinary hearing and defend himself.
“An outcome of the disciplinary process is a normal occurrence. He may face any form of punishment. It is too pre-mature for the matter to be here today because he can still appeal the DC’s decision,” he said.
Itumeleng said the legality of the document, which prompted the association to call for Mamelodi’s disciplinary hearing, and how the investigations were carried out can still be dealt with by the DC.
Justice Walia yesterday ruled that Mamelodi should appear for disciplinary hearing but pointed out that he should be furnished with all the necessary documents before he appears for hearing.
Earlier, Justice Walia had expressed his concern over the continued infightings that take place within local football.
He said such issues could be the reason why people no longer fill up the stadia during the matches. He said it is unfair to the supporters and other stakeholders including the players to witness so much litigation taking place within local football.