Orlando Pirates seek court freeze on R20.2m in fraud case

Orlando Pirates have filed a High Court application to preserve R20.2 million linked to alleged fraudulent transactions by a former finance manager, a significant off-field development as TS Galaxy FC prepare to face them next.

TS Galaxy FC's next opponents, Orlando Pirates, are involved in a major financial court case as they prepare for the upcoming league fixture. The Johannesburg High Court has been asked to freeze R20.2 million linked to alleged fraudulent diversions by the club's former finance manager, Darryl Joselowsky.

An internal investigation was launched in July after irregularities were spotted in management accounts. A subsequent forensic analysis identified hundreds of suspicious transactions dating back to 2016, with R20.2 million in payments considered unauthorised. The club's application, filed without notice to the former employee, argues that advance warning could risk the funds being moved or hidden.

Commercial manager Mpumelelo Khoza stated in an affidavit that the application is a precautionary step to protect club assets during the process and does not represent a finding of wrongdoing. He noted the individual is cooperating. The club confirmed the action on Sunday but said it would not comment further while the matter is before the court.

For TS Galaxy, the news adds an unusual backdrop to their key away match on 18 October. The Rockets currently sit 12th in the Premier Soccer League with six points from seven games, having lost their last two matches.

The club stressed that its day-to-day football operations continue as normal, with its focus remaining on the season ahead. TS Galaxy will be looking to improve a recent run of form that shows one win, two draws, and two defeats from their last five outings. You can review the team's current standings as they build towards the Orlando Pirates clash.