SAFA suspends referee, Jonas Nhlapo

This follows his failure to appear before a review / investigation panel session of the National Referees Committee at 2.30pm in Johannesburg yesterday (18 February 2009) where he had been invited for the purpose of expanding upon his previous explanation and providing a full and proper account of facts which were within his knowledge and understanding of allegations of potential match fixing and bribery issues.

"It is well know that recently two of the elite panel referees, Jonas Nhlapo and Peter Mabuza were subjected to polygraph tests undertaken under the auspices of duly certified and qualified polygraphists who examined the officials in question in accordance with the Adjusted Reid MGQ Technique, it being generally accepted as one of the most reliable question techniques internationally. Both officials subjected themselves voluntarily to the tests in question. In addition, a duly certified and credible polygraph system was used which is a system that records physiological responses utilising four channels.

"The equipment recorded tracing for the relative changes in blood volume, galvanic skin responses and breathing patterns. Mr Mabuza completed the polygraph tests satisfactorily and it was determined without any doubt, that referee Mabuza indicated no trace or element of deception whatsoever. Regrettably, the same was not true in the instance of Mr Nhlapo where considerable elements of deception were revealed," says Kirsten Nematandani, Chairperson of the National Referees Committee.

Explaining this further, Nematandani states that in order to avail Nhlapo the opportunity of explaining himself and/or defending himself against the negative outcome of his polygraph tests, Nhlapo was afforded the opportunity, duly and ably assisted by Reginald Motloung (a nominated referee's representative chosen by the officials themselves), of explaining his conduct and any reasons as to why it may have been determined that he was deceptive. Initially, Nhlapo, did not wish to be drawn into any debates on this issue, however on reflection, he then indicated that he had not been truthful whilst appearing before the polygraphists and proceeded to give a brief, albeit unsubstantiated, account of a particular aspect where an approach towards match fixing had seemingly been made to him.

"In the light of the fact that it appeared to the Chairperson of the National Referees Committee and the Chairperson of the Appointments Committee of Referees that this required considerably more detailed and thorough examination, Mr Nhlapo was instructed to attend before this panel. But shortly prior to the time in respect of the convening of such proceedings, the Committee received notification from Mr Nhlapo that he would not be attending the hearing due to the fact that he did not have sufficient financial resources at his disposal to travel to the sitting. We are totally disappointed that Nhlapho could not attend this important session and it is unfortunate that we had been forced to reach this type of decision," explains Nematandani.