By Sitha Maliwa:
In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through both the sports and public service sectors, Ace Ncobo, the revered PSL General Manager and former FIFA referee, has broken his silence following explosive allegations of fraud and money laundering.
Appearing alongside his wife, Salomie Twaise Ncobo, in the Bellville Magistrates Court on Monday, the couple faces serious charges relating to the alleged misappropriation of over R15 million intended for the development of impoverished schools in the Eastern Cape. The accusations stem from PetroSA’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme, with claims that Ncobo and his wife diverted funds meant for classrooms, laboratories, and basic infrastructure into personal and unauthorised entities.
But in a bold and defiant response, Ncobo took to social media just hours after the court appearance, posting a Facebook statement under the heading: “PUBLIC STATEMENT ON COURT APPEARANCE.” The post strikes a tone of resilience and unwavering self-belief, offering a rare public insight into his mindset as he battles charges that could tarnish a career built on discipline and integrity.
“Although we believe that this is a malicious prosecution, we welcome the decision of the NPA to carry out its constitutional duties without favour,” Ncobo began, setting the stage for a confrontation not just in the courtroom, but in the court of public opinion.
In the face of mounting public scrutiny, he expressed heartfelt gratitude for those who have stood by him:
“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.”
Ncobo didn’t merely defend his reputation – he went on the offensive, portraying the projects under scrutiny as models of efficiency and excellence:
“All projects we were appointed to do were completed in record time and to the highest standards.”
And in a striking reference to the school at the heart of the controversy, built nearly 20 years ago, he reminded the public of its enduring legacy:
“The particular project which is made part of this matter is a school that we built almost two decades ago. It still stands proudly as an asset of that community.”
With calm confidence, Ncobo asserted his belief in the fairness of the legal system:
“We have full confidence in the justice system of our country, and we know that the court will judge for itself that this matter should never have been brought before it in the first place.”
Yet even as he reaffirmed his innocence, Ncobo’s closing words carried a quiet plea for privacy amid the storm:
“We humbly request to be given space to deal with this matter without any further public or media engagements beyond this statement.”
As investigations continue and the matter returns to court on 29 May 2025, one thing is certain – Ncobo is not backing down. Whether his confidence will stand the test of the courtroom remains to be seen, but for now, the man once trusted to referee on the world’s biggest football stages is now fighting to clear his name on an even higher-stakes field: the law. –@NewsSA_Online
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