Former Referee and Wife Accused of Fraudulent Donation Scheme for School Project
Andile “Ace” Ncobo, the General Manager of the Premier Soccer League, and his wife, Salome Ncobo, have been charged with fraud and money laundering in relation to a R15 million donation intended for school construction projects in the Eastern Cape. The couple appeared in Bellville Magistrate’s Court in Cape Town, where they were formally charged, but granted bail.
The charges stem from a fraudulent scheme involving a donation from the Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa (PetroSA), which had allocated R13 million to build classrooms and other infrastructure for Gangatha Junior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape. The scheme was allegedly orchestrated by Ncobo and his wife, who misrepresented themselves to PetroSA, creating false documents and entities to facilitate the transfer of funds.
The Fraudulent Scheme
The donation was part of PetroSA’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programme, designed to support educational and community development projects. In 2008, Gangatha Junior Secondary School applied for funds to improve its infrastructure. PetroSA agreed to donate R13 million, and a trust called the King’s Gangatha Building Trust was set up to manage the project. However, it later emerged that the trust was unregistered and that Ncobo had no authorization to act as the school’s representative.
Ncobo oversaw the construction of the school, which began in November 2008 and was completed by September 2009. Despite this, the school had never appointed him to manage the project. Authorities allege that Ncobo and his wife used forged trust deeds and false donor documentation to make the project appear legitimate, thus securing the R13 million donation from PetroSA.
The couple is accused of laundering the funds through multiple unregistered entities and personal accounts. In total, R15.19 million was reportedly transferred to various accounts linked to their businesses, including Gangatha Projects and Eseswe Projects, which were not registered with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).
Legal Proceedings
Ace Ncobo and his wife appeared in court and were granted bail – Ncobo’s set at R50,000, while Salome Ncobo’s was set at R30,000. The case, which has been under investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) for over a decade, has been postponed until May 29, 2025, for further investigation.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) explained that the money laundering charges are based on the illegal transfer of R15.19 million into personal and business accounts. These transfers were reportedly designed to conceal the source of the funds and make them appear legitimate.
Ncobo’s Response
In a statement on Facebook, Ace Ncobo denied the charges, calling the prosecution a “malicious” attack. He asserted that their business had never been involved in any criminal conduct and that all projects managed by them were completed on time and to the highest standards. Ncobo further claimed that the school in question, built almost two decades ago, remained a valuable asset to the local community.
“We appreciate the overwhelming messages of support and wish to assure our family, friends, and the supportive public that their support is not misplaced,” Ncobo wrote. “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.”
Despite his denials, the case remains under investigation, and authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant against fraud in public and corporate donations.
Looking Ahead
The case is set for further proceedings in May 2025. If convicted, Ace and Salome Ncobo could face severe penalties for their alleged involvement in the scheme. The investigation continues as authorities examine the full extent of the fraudulent activities linked to this case.
