Former FIFA Referee and Wife Appear in Court Over R15 Million Fraud Case

Image: National Prosecuting Authority

Aldrin Andile Baldwin ‘Ace’ Ncobo, General Manager of the Premier Soccer League and former FIFA referee, appeared in the Bellville Magistrates Court on Monday alongside his wife, Salomie Twaise Ncobo. The pair face multiple charges of fraud and money laundering linked to the alleged misappropriation of more than R15 million.

The charges relate to donations made by the Petroleum Oil and Gas Corporation of South Africa (PetroSA) intended for school infrastructure projects in the Eastern Cape. The couple has been charged with three counts of fraud and one count of money laundering.

Allegations of Misuse of PetroSA CSI Funds

According to the prosecution, the Ncobos devised a scheme to access PetroSA funding under false pretenses, diverting the money for personal benefit and to various entities associated with them.

PetroSA had committed millions through its Corporate Social Investment (CSI) program to support underprivileged schools by improving educational facilities and promoting health, community development, and environmental initiatives.

One such initiative was a 2008 project at Gangatha Junior Secondary School, which applied for funding to upgrade its infrastructure. PetroSA approved a R13 million grant for the construction of new classrooms, science labs, and other essential facilities.

To carry out the project, the unregistered King’s Gangatha Building Trust was created. Allegedly, Ace Ncobo took control of the trust despite having no official appointment from the school. Construction ran from November 2008 to September 2009.

However, a later investigation by PetroSA’s Risk and Compliance Department revealed that the completed work was substandard and valued at only R5.9 million—well below the R13 million disbursed. Additional repairs were estimated at R398,363.

Similar Irregularities at Another School

A comparable case was reported at Nqadu Pre-Grade R School, where PetroSA approved a R485,450 grant. Salomie Ncobo acted as the project contact and claimed the work was self-funded. Yet, the school reportedly received no furniture or equipment. Investigation found that documents submitted—including board member details and signatures—were falsified.

Funds from both projects were allegedly routed to several entities linked to Ncobo, including Gangatha Projects, Eseswe Projects, and the Aldrin Andile Baldwin Ncobo Charity Institute—all of which are unregistered. Only one properly registered entity, Ncobo Development ILE Projects, was found—with Ncobo listed as sole owner.

The couple was arrested and later released on bail: R50,000 for Aldrin Ncobo and R30,000 for Salomie Ncobo. The case has been postponed until 29 May 2025 for further investigation. PetroSA continues to assess financial losses, which include an additional R20,093 needed to fix issues at Nqadu Pre-Grade R School.

Public Statement from Ace Ncobo

In a statement posted to Facebook, Ncobo proclaimed both his and his wife's innocence, labeling the charges a "malicious prosecution."

Although we believe that this is a malicious prosecution, we welcome the NPA’s decision to fulfill its constitutional mandate.

We are grateful for the messages of support and want to assure our family, friends, and the public that their trust is not misplaced. We have never engaged in any criminal activity on any of our projects.

All projects under our management were completed on time and to the highest standards.

The school at the center of this case, which we built nearly two decades ago, remains a valuable asset to the community.

We trust in the integrity of our judicial system and believe the court will ultimately recognize that this case has no merit.

We kindly ask for privacy as we address these allegations and will refrain from making further public or media statements.