Highlanders FC chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla has been suspended following allegations of financial irregularities tied to the club’s recent trip to Botswana.
According to sources within the club, Mnkandla was verbally informed of his suspension on Tuesday, with chairman Kenneth Mhlophe expected to formalise the decision in writing on Wednesday, in line with an executive resolution. The move is said to be aimed at allowing investigations to proceed without any potential interference.
Reports suggest that the overall cost of the Botswana tour may have been overstated by as much as USD20,000. It is further alleged that intermediaries were brought in to handle some arrangements, reportedly after being introduced to Mnkandla by a senior executive member.
There are also claims that proper procurement procedures were not followed, particularly the requirement to obtain at least three quotations from service providers. Despite this, it is understood that both Mhlophe and finance board member Nkani Khoza approved the expenditure, allegedly bypassing established club guidelines.
Attempts to reach Mhlophe for comment were unsuccessful.
Sources say both Mhlophe and Khoza could also face suspension depending on the outcome of the ongoing investigations.
Concerns reportedly emerged while the team was still in Botswana, with Khoza said to have questioned the charges after suspecting the club may have been overbilled by the lodge where the team stayed during the six-day tour.
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