Two F/town officials face fraud charges

Koketso Kgoboge | Friday December 1, 2017 12:35

Secretary, Isaac Mabutha and treasurer, Gaolapelwe Western were suspended late last month. The two immediately dismissed the charges as politically motivated smear campaigns.

The two did not submit financial statements to the committee, and they were subsequently suspended to make way for investigations into the regional body’s accounts. The two are signatories.

Reports indicate that there was unauthorised withdrawal of funds since registration fees raised from players’ transfers are unaccounted for, the reports say.

Investigations reveal that monies were withdrawn even at times when there were no FRAFA activities, a source said. “Some money was withdrawn at awkward periods when FRAFA had no activities at all and there is no trace of that money.”

“There has been a lot of player movement during the transfer windows and teams part with money for registration books,” the source said.

FRAFA makes up to P15,000 from transfer activity per window, and it is reported that money for three windows is missing.  FRAFA chairperson Maokaneng Bontshetse said the committee met on Wednesday after they had made assessments on the account.

He said the result of their investigation has prompted them to look deeper into the matter. He said following their meeting they would summon the suspended members to account. “Our accounts are always in the red and that prompted this investigation,” he said.

“We have found some irregularities that need clarification. We also don’t have receipts books for this year and therefore our investigations continue.”

Mabutha dismissed the accusations as wild. He said he is ready to account for every thebe that came into his hands.

“The problem is everything is done in bad faith. These are just delaying tactics so that next year’s elections come while we are still serving suspension.”

“I was just served with a suspension but nothing was required from me. I am waiting for the committee to call me to account.”

Western shared similar sentiments as his suspended counterpart.

“Those accusations are baseless. The truth is this is a dirty political campaign strategy. I have not heard from the committee since I was suspended but the records are there and I am ready to account,” he said.  

Meanwhile, the region will, for the first time in over 15 years, hold a first level-coaching course. The course will be held at YWCA Conference hall from December 4 to 8.

“This is a start for us as we aim to develop our football. We are starting with our coaches and we will also have a refresher course for our administrators.”

“After they complete the first level we will bring the advanced level and we intend to do this before end of the season,” Maokaneng said. World Group of Companies businessmen, Farouk Sadar and Samuel Mpuchane, in their individual capacities, sponsor the course.