More could join fraud-accused Tonic Chabalala in the dock

IT has become apparent that former Orlando Pirates player Tonic Chabalala did not act alone in his alleged fraudulent activities that cost the City of Joburg R15 million.

The 43-year-old Chabalala was granted bail yesterday, following brief court proceedings.

The Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Palm Ridge, Gauteng, set his bail at R4 000.

He had offered to pay R3 000, but the State rejected the amount. The State did, however, not oppose his bail because his particulars, such as residential address, were confirmed.

Chabalala, who was a spirited defender for the top flight team nicknamed the Sea Robbers, is facing charges of fraud and corruption.

He allegedly defrauded the City of Joburg of R15 million through a company he ran. It has emerged that he was not a municipality employee, but an owner of a private company that conducted business with the metro.

The State alleged that Chabalala created fraudulent Requests For Quotes (RFQ) for companies that were awarded tenders.

Some of these companies were allegedly paid twice following Chabalala's actions.

He is believed to have colluded with more people, including City of Joburg employees.

Phindi Mjonondwane revealed yesterday following the court proceedings that more people could join Chabalala in the dock.

"He had a company that was registered as a service provider for the City of Joburg," she said.

"He worked closely with City of Joburg employees, where these fraudulent RFQs were created so that they are paid for invoices.

"Sometimes an invoice would be a duplicate. It would be one invoice, but paid for twice. The money would then be shared."

Sporting a maroon leather jacket, Chabalala cut a lone figure in the dock. He made his first ever appearance for the case.

He paid the R4 000 bail within an hour and left the Palm Ridge court.

Seemingly ashamed of the rap he faces, Chabalala tried to hide his face when photojournalists took photos as he walked out of the court.

Considered a legend at Pirates, Chabalala played more than 150 matches for the team. He also captained the Sea Robbers.

He became a professional footballer in the early 2000s, when he donned the orange jersey of the defunct Dynamos.

His foundation hosted the Tonic Chabalala Annual Games in his hometown Giyani, Limpopo, a week ago.

Erstwhile Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates stars such as Doctor Khumalo, Cyril Nzama, William Okpara and Jerry Skhosana played a courtesy match in the games.

Chabalala will return to court on July 12.

@BonganiNkosi87