Orlando Pirates supporters have reacted after the club launched an urgent court application to freeze R20.2 million allegedly diverted from its accounts.
The matter was filed in the Johannesburg High Court, with the funds reportedly linked to hundreds of unauthorised transactions allegedly involving former finance manager Darryl Joselowsky.
According to reports by Sowetan, Pirates is seeking to freeze four bank accounts allegedly linked to Joselowsky, which have a combined balance of R20.2 million.
The club is also seeking further information from Standard Bank to establish where the money went and who ultimately benefited from the transactions.
Orlando Pirates, however, stressed that the court application does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing.
“The application is not a finding of wrongdoing and should not be interpreted as one. The individual concerned is cooperating, and the Club is committed to a fair process for everyone involved,” the club said in a statement.
The allegations have sparked plenty of reaction among football supporters on social media, with some questioning how a club of Pirates’ stature could allegedly lose such a substantial amount of money through unauthorised transactions.
Fans react to Orlando Pirates ‘losing millions’
@SpholaM6 wrote: “For such a big institution to have these weak internal controls when it comes to its banking process is shocking…”
@Deeflowwd4 added: “They were busy swearing at Pitso and Modiba while a heist of the century was in place.”
Meanwhile, @SundownsOGs joked: “Darryl Joselowsky won’t see heaven. So the whole Betway Premiership prize money is gone.”
“He is very brave. Pickpocketing the Iron Duke?” tweeted @S_Gwiliza.
Orlando Pirates are in action this coming weekend against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final.