Watch Benfica vs Gil Vicente Live for Free in the US – Primeira Liga Streaming Guide
Sep 27 2025
When Livingstone Mzukisi Sakata, the Northern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, was named acting Johannesburg DPP, the legal community felt the tremor of a shifting tide. The appointment lands on September 1, 2025, just weeks after Andrew Chauke, a senior advocate, was suspended by Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa. All eyes are now on the pending SAFA fraud case, where the fate of a former football chief and three co‑accused hangs in the balance.
Background on the prosecutorial shuffle
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced on Friday that Sakata will step into the acting role for the Johannesburg division, a jurisdiction that includes the Johannesburg Specialized Commercial Crime Court. His term, set to begin on September 1, 2025, follows a brief but intense period of uncertainty after Chauke’s removal on July 21, 2025 (some reports suggest the suspension was first hinted at in June).
Sakata’s résumé reads like a prosecutorial masterclass. Appointed as Northern Cape DPP in April 2022, he previously coordinated the organised‑crime component for the Eastern Cape in 2003 and served as acting DPP there from February 2020. He holds a B Proc degree from the University of Fort Hare and has logged more than two decades fighting crime from the courtroom to the corridors of power.
Details of the SAFA fraud case
The case erupted on August 15, 2025, when the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court heard the first appearance of South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan and three co‑accused: CFO Gronie Hluyo, businessman Trevor Neethling, and the media firm Grit Communications. Prosecutors allege that roughly R1.3 million in federation funds were misappropriated between 2021 and 2023.
- Alleged misuse of R1.3 million in SAFA accounts.
- Charges include fraud, theft, and breach of public trust.
- Defence submissions seek withdrawal of charges pending further review.
State prosecutor Moagi Malebati explained that Chauke’s suspension halted the review of defence representations, leaving the case in limbo. The magistrate, Soko‑Rantao, pushed back the next hearing to September 12, 2025, giving the new acting DPP a narrow window to address the pending applications.
Implications of the acting appointment
With Sakata now at the helm, the NPA expects a swift recalibration. Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the NPA, told reporters, “We did not foresee the suspension, but we trust that Acting DPP Sakata will prioritise the representations of all four accused and move the case forward.” The statement, while measured, hinted at possible bottlenecks: other pending matters in the Johannesburg office could stretch resources beyond the September 12 deadline.
Legal analysts note that the appointment is symbolic as much as procedural. "Having a seasoned prosecutor like Sakata, who has navigated organised‑crime units in the Eastern Cape, brings a fresh perspective," said Johannesburg law firm partner Thandiwe Ndlovu. "Yet, the political undertones cannot be ignored – the president’s direct involvement underscores the case’s sensitivity."
Reactions from key stakeholders
SAFA’s legal team issued a brief comment, asserting that the federation remains committed to “full transparency and accountability.” Meanwhile, civil‑society watchdogs such as Corruption Watch called for “an expedited and impartial process” and warned that any further delays could erode public confidence in the justice system.
Opposition parties, notably the Democratic Alliance, seized on the timing, questioning whether the president’s decision to suspend Chauke was politically motivated. In a parliamentary session on August 20, DA MP John Steenhuisen asked, “Is the removal of an acting DPP during a high‑profile fraud investigation a safeguard of integrity, or a maneuver to steer outcomes?” The question sparked a heated debate, though no formal inquiry has been launched yet.
Looking ahead: next steps for the case
Acting DPP Sakata faces a tight agenda. First, he must review the defence’s withdrawal applications, a task that previously stalled under Chauke. Second, he needs to coordinate with the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court to set a realistic timetable for trial proceedings, which could extend into 2026 if the court deems further investigations necessary.
Should the charges be withdrawn, the fallout could ripple across South African sport, prompting calls for stricter financial oversight within SAFA and other national bodies. Conversely, if the case proceeds and culminates in convictions, it may serve as a deterrent for future mismanagement of public funds.
In the words of former NPA chief prosecutor Priscilla Mlambo, “this moment will be a litmus test for our prosecutorial independence. How quickly and fairly the SAFA case moves forward will signal to the nation whether justice truly stands above politics.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Andrew Chauke suspended?
President Cyril Ramaphosa suspended Chauke on July 21, 2025, citing concerns about his fitness to hold office pending an internal inquiry. The move came just as Chauke was set to sign off on defence representations in the SAFA fraud case, raising questions about procedural timing.
What are the main allegations in the SAFA fraud case?
Prosecutors allege that former SAFA President Danny Jordaan, CFO Gronie Hluyo, businessman Trevor Neethling, and Grit Communications misused approximately R1.3 million of federation funds between 2021‑2023. Charges include fraud, theft and breach of public trust.
How might Sakata’s appointment affect the case timeline?
Sakata is expected to prioritize reviewing the defence’s withdrawal applications and set a new schedule for the trial. However, competing caseloads in the Johannesburg office could push the next hearing beyond the current September 12 deadline.
What broader impact could a conviction have on South African sport?
A conviction would likely trigger stricter financial oversight across national sports bodies, prompting reforms in budgeting and audit practices. It could also restore public trust in SAFA’s governance after years of suspicion.
Who else is involved in overseeing the appointment?
The National Prosecuting Authority, via spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, announced the appointment. The Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crime Court and Magistrate Soko‑Rantao will monitor Sakata’s progress in handling the case.
Comments
Govind Kumar
It is noteworthy that the NPA has chosen a prosecutor with extensive experience in organised‑crime units, which could bring a methodical approach to the SAFA case. The timing, barely weeks after the Chauke suspension, suggests a desire for continuity rather than disruption. One would expect Sakata to prioritize the pending withdrawal applications, as the magistrate’s deadline looms. Moreover, his background in the Eastern Cape indicates familiarity with complex financial investigations. In any event, the legal community will be watching closely to see how swiftly the docket advances.