The elite crime-fighting serious commercial crime investigation team of the Hawks have effected the arrest of Eastern Cape-based boxing promoter Andile Sidinile for suspicion of fraud. He was later released by the East London magistrate’s court on a warning.
Sidinile’s fraud allegation relate to a boxing tournament organised by the University of Fort Hare, in Alice, on April 22 2016.
The university publicised the international competition in honor of the institution’s 100th anniversary.
Produced fraudulent letter to host event
Sidinile,55, allegedly produced a confirmation letter from the chief financial officer (CFO) of the Department of Sports Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) as the sponsor for the tournament.
Suppliers who wished to take part in the tournament were required to provide proof of their ability to pay the boxers belonging to Boxing South Africa (BSA).
Sidinile allegedly handed over the confirmation letter, and was awarded the opportunity to host the event.
Boxers never got paid after event, Hawks brought in to investigate
The tournament went on successfully. However, the boxers allegedly waited for payment from Sidinile in vain.
“The matter was brought to the attention of BSA. Thereupon it was reportedly discovered that the letter presented by Sidinile purporting that the DSRAC confirmed sponsorship for the event was indeed fraudulent. And the matter was referred to the Hawks in the province.
“The matter was referred to the East London-based Serious Commercial Crime Investigation of the Hawks. And the probe culminated in Sidinile’s arrest on Wednesday,” said police Captain Yolisa Mgolodela.
BSA eventually paid the boxers
The investigations revealed that BSA eventually had to pay what was due to the boxers. This was in order for BSA to preserve its integrity. The BSA had to pay R543,000 in the process.
Sidinile made his brief court appearance in East London where he was released on a warning. The matter is remanded to August 30 2024 for legal representation.
