Andile 'Ace' Ncobo, the General Manager of the Premier Soccer League, and his wife, Salome, faced serious legal troubles on Monday, May 5, 2025, as they appeared in the Bellville Magistrate's Court in Cape Town. The couple is charged with fraud and money laundering related to a R15 million donation intended for school construction projects in the Eastern Cape.
The allegations against Ncobo, a former international referee, and his wife stem from a scheme to fraudulently obtain funds from the Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (PetroSA). According to the State, the couple misrepresented the needs of Gangatha Junior Secondary School, which applied for funding to build new facilities in 2008.
During their brief court appearance, Ncobo and Salome were dressed elegantly as they faced the charges. The couple was granted bail, with Ncobo's set at R50,000 and his wife's at R30,000. The case has been postponed until May 29, 2025, for further investigation.
The charges are rooted in a Corporate Social Investment (CSI) program run by PetroSA, which was responsible for providing monetary donations to needy schools and institutions. In 2008, Gangatha Junior Secondary School applied for a donation to build new classrooms, an administration block, ablution facilities, a science laboratory, and a computer laboratory, along with developing the sports field and erecting a security fence. PetroSA agreed to donate R13 million to facilitate the rebuilding of the school.
However, it has been alleged that Ncobo oversaw the construction without proper authorization. The school never appointed him as its representative or project manager, raising questions about the legitimacy of his involvement. The construction began in November 2008 and was completed in September 2009, but the quality of the work has come under scrutiny.
According to Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), PetroSA appointed quantity surveyors to assess the value of the services rendered when allegations of irregularities surfaced. The inspection revealed that the products used and the services rendered were of inferior quality, resulting in costs amounting to R5.9 million. Furthermore, it was established that PetroSA would need to spend an additional R398,363 to remedy the defects.
In a troubling twist, the State alleges that Ncobo made several misrepresentations to PetroSA regarding the King’s Gangatha Building Trust and other supporting documentation submitted to secure the funding. This raises significant concerns about the integrity of the funding process.
In addition to the Gangatha Junior Secondary School project, another instance of alleged fraud involved the Nqadu Pre-Grade R School, which also sought funding from PetroSA in 2008. The application was finalized, with Salome Ncobo listed as the contact person. PetroSA approved the request and paid R485,450 into a Great Kei bank account. However, it was claimed that Ncobo misled the school principal by stating he was financing the preschool construction out of his own pocket. Reports indicate that no furniture or educational equipment was delivered to the school, and board members listed on the documentation denied being affiliated with the project.
The Hawks, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, have been investigating this matter for over a decade. Warrant Officer Zinzi Hani, the provincial spokesperson for the Hawks, stated that the couple allegedly created a false impression of legitimacy by submitting forged trust deeds and donor documentation. This deception led PetroSA to release R13 million to Gangatha Junior Secondary School.
Hani noted, "They submitted proposals supported by forged trust deeds and donor documentation, creating a false impression that Gangatha Projects, a non-registered entity, was a legitimate channel for school development." The investigation revealed that the Gangatha Project bank account received approximately R13 million, which was allegedly laundered through personal accounts.
Ntabazalila elaborated on the money laundering charges, stating they relate to R15.19 million being distributed across various accounts, including those of Gangatha Projects, Eseswe Projects, Aldrin Andile Baldwin Ncobo Charity Institute, and Aldrin Andile Baldwin Development ILE PR. Records from the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) indicate that Gangatha Projects was not a registered entity.
In a statement posted on Facebook, Ncobo expressed his belief that the charges are a result of malicious prosecution. He stated, "We appreciate the overwhelming messages of support and wish to assure our family, friends, and the supportive public that their support is not misplaced. We have never been involved in any criminal conduct in all the projects our company did."
He emphasized that the school in question was built nearly two decades ago and remains a valuable asset to the community. Ncobo expressed confidence in the justice system, asserting, "We know that the court will judge for itself that this matter should never have been brought before it in the first place."
As the legal proceedings unfold, the Ncobos will continue to face scrutiny over their alleged involvement in this significant fraud case, which raises important questions about accountability and the management of funds intended for educational development.
The ongoing investigation underscores the need for transparency and integrity in public funding initiatives, particularly those aimed at improving educational infrastructure in disadvantaged communities.
