Pirates File Urgent High Court Application To Freeze R20.2M in Bank Accounts
Orlando Pirates have approached the Johannesburg High Court in an urgent legal bid to preserve funds totaling over R20 million following an internal investigation into financial irregularities.
The applicant was brought by Orlando Pirates Football Club, Orlando Pirates Retailing, and Orlando Pirates Properties
The club is targeting bank accounts linked to its former finance manager, Darryl Joselowsky, to prevent any dissipation of funds while the investigation proceeds.
Forensic investigations identified 742 separate payments totaling R43 million siphoned between 2016 and 2026 using small-value transfers designed to bypass external audit thresholds.
Commercial manager and director Mpumelelo Khoza’s sworn affidavit warned that Joselowsky recently acquired an Austrian passport and travelled frequently, prompting the urgent freezing order before funds could be transferred offshore.
Standard Bank Disclosure: Beyond freezing the assets, Pirates are asking the court to compel Standard Bank to disclose further banking records so forensic investigators can trace the full transaction trail and identify all beneficiaries.
The legal action stems from alleged systematic financial irregularities uncovered during internal reviews, where bank transfer descriptions were reportedly manipulated to mask improper disbursements.
The club subsequently released a statement on Sunday morning.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club is aware of media reports concerning a court application brought by the Club,” the club said in a statement.
“The Club has asked the High Court to preserve funds linked to certain financial transactions while those transactions are investigated. This is a precautionary step to protect the Club’s funds during the process.
“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.
“Our supporters, partners and sponsors can be assured that the Club’s day-to-day operations and commitments continue as normal. Our focus remains on the team and the season ahead.”
Because the matter remains sub judice before the High Court, the club stated it will refrain from further commentary while legal proceedings progress.
“As the matter is before the court, it would not be appropriate for the Club to comment further at this stage. We will provide updates when we can do so,” the statement concluded.
