CSA issue response to Thami Tsolekile’s discriminatory allegations

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has responded to allegations made by implicated cricketer Thami Tsolekile terming them as ‘unfounded’.

Tsolekile made a series of explosive allegations during a radio interview with Robert Marawa while threatening to implicate further wrongdoers who were allegedly protected by CSA however the governing body have since addressed each of Tsolekile’s allegations.

CSA protected white players – Tsolekile

Tsolekile was one of the players to go down alongside Gulam Bodi for attempting to match-fix cricket matches in 2015. The former wicket-keeper received a 12-year ban.

Pumelela Matshikwe, Ethy Mbhalati and Jean Symes were the others to be implicated however Tsolekile has hinted that certain individuals who were involved in the scandal were shielded and allowed to continue playing cricket as normal.

Tsolekile claims that Bodi, who has been pinned as the leader of the fixing scam, approached both Robbie Frylinck and Vaughn van Jaarsveld however the two were given a free-pass by CSA.

CSA respond to Tsolekile’s allegations

“Contrary to the allegation that SACA carried out the investigation, the investigation was carried out by CSA’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) under the guidance and authority of retired Judge Bernard Ngoepe, former Judge President of North Gauteng and South Gauteng.” a statement read.

“A comprehensive investigation was carried out over approximately 18 months with the CSA Anti-Corruption Unit acting in collaboration with, and with the assistance of, Judge Ngoepe, specialist external lawyers, the ICC, the BCCI, the Hawks and an external digital forensic team. The CSA Board was kept regularly updated on developments pertaining to the investigation.”

The investigation process was unfair – Tsolekile

“I was very co-operative during the match-fixing investigation. They came to my house. They searched my house. I gave them my bank details. They took my phone. Even today, though, they don’t have any facts. They are clueless. I will expose a lot of people, but not all of them. The investigation was not fair.” Tsolekile said.

CSA has since confirmed that the entire investigation process was conducted in complete fairness and via the right channels.

“At no time did any of the players or their respective attorneys submit that they were coerced into admitting their guilt or signing their Sanction Agreements. They did so willingly and in fact were consulted on, and provided input into, the respective press releases announcing confirmation of the offences to which they had admitted. Audio and video recordings were made of all the interviews with all the participants and now form part of the ongoing criminal investigation.” a CSA statement continued.

No discrimination in CSA’s investigation

“As regards the accusations relating to alleged discrimination, Judge Ngoepe said, ‘The allegation that the investigation deliberately targeted black players must also be rejected. Both white and black players were investigated and charged, based on the evidence that was collected and presented.’

“According to Mr Bodi, the names of many prominent players and icons of the game, both black and white were bandied around by him as a tactic to put players that he approached at ease. The possible involvement of all these players were thoroughly investigated. It is not practice during investigations, nor fair towards these players who were cited, to publicize their names.

“As regards the allegation that Vaughn van Jaarsveld was approached by Mr Bodi and failed to disclose this approach, CSA confirms that both he and Craig Alexander were approached by Mr Bodi and both players reported the matter to SACA and to the ACU as required by CSA Anti-Corruption Code and the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (Act 12 of 2004). Their possible involvement in the match fixing scheme was fully investigated not only by the investigating team but also by the Hawks and they were cleared of any wrongdoing.”