Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
THE Highlanders chief executive officer, Denzil Mnkandla’s hearing was deferred to a later date after the club failed to give him 72 hours as prescribed by law.
Mnkandla’s charges relate to the team’s Botswana trip, where the institution was allegedly overcharged by some agents referred to the club by a senior executive member.
Mnkandla, who was suspended by the club last week, was served papers to appear before the hearing team, in which Vusi Vuma is chairing with members Solomon Mguni and Ndabezinhle Mazibuko who is representing Highlanders at 1630 Hours to attend the hearing yesterday at 1000 Hours, less than 48 hours before his appearance.
Tofara Hwara of Tashaya Law Chambers confirmed late yesterday afternoon that Bosso had erred and that the postponement of the case had nothing to do with Tinashe Tashaya having a case at the High Court.
Mnkandla briefly appeared before the club’s prosecutors Vuma and Mguni in the morning and when the defence team raised issues about the time frame and papers pertaining to the charge that they were not given, it was then resolved that a new date be set.
The evidence which is the basis for the allegations was not given to the respondent ahead of the hearing.
Hwara said: “They gave him short notice which is contrary to the national code. An employee must be given at least three days. He was served with papers on July 14 towards end of business to appear on July 16 at 10AM which was even less than 48 hours. This was a violation of his rights and secondly he was not given evidence related to the charges. He needed to prepare adequately for the case.”
Highlanders suspended Mnkandla on July 2, with the action kicking off on July 7.
The reasons for his suspension included gross insubordination, allegedly after failing to submit documents which should have shown the exchange rate used to make payments, invoices and statements from the service provider and the agreement between the club and agent.
He was also charged with inappropriate handling of financial matters by allegedly failing to submit documents to support proof of payment, alleged misappropriation through claims made in American Dollars but paid in Botswana Pulas.
Mnkandla was also accused of failing to comply with club financial policy.
It is alleged that there was a variance of US$37 375 of the money charged by the agent and the equivalent of P170 622 paid to the service provider.
The agents had charged US$50 500 and US$42 000 is alleged to have been paid to the party of 56 that stayed at the Botswana facility where the club stayed during the off-season camp.
Initially Highlanders were due to fly to Malawi for the off-season and Botswana came as a cheaper alternative at an initial figure of US$68 100 before it was cut down to US$50 500.
Earlier in the season, Hardrock were charged US$100 000 for almost the same time in Botswana and Bosso’s US$50 500 appeared a good bargain.
When Mnkandla was suspended last week, the second time after another four months ago, the club said to him that his continued presence would have resulted in a lack of public trust in the leadership and club. The club said he would tamper with credible evidence and was asked to surrender all club tools and keys.
He was barred from entering club offices and communicating with his subordinates.
“We are reporting this matter to the police and taking disciplinary action against you,” read part of the suspension letter.
In the dock yesterday, Mnkandla stood facing these seemingly four serious charges.
Count 1 (Gross incompetency or inefficiency)
Contravening Section 4(f) of the National Code of Conduct (S.1 15 of 2006) in that the Respondent showed gross incompetency and inefficiency by entering into an agreement with a third party in respect of accommodation and camping expenses for a trip to Botswana for the period 24 February 2026 to 3 March 2026 without conducting proper due diligence regarding the costs thereof resulting in Respondent authorizing the club overpaying excessively in the amount of US$42 200.00 to the third party when the service was only charged in the total amount of Botswana
Pulas 170 622.00 by the service provider, namely Travel Lodge.
Count 2 (Conduct inconsistent with contract terms)
Contravening section 4 (f) of the National Code of Conduct (S.1 15 of 2006) in that the Respondent entered into a contract with a 3rd party on behalf of Highlanders Football Club for the camping expenses of the Club’s sporting delegation in Botswana for the period 24 February 2026 to 3 March 2026 without the prior consent of the Executive
Committee in contravention of clause 26 (h) of his contract of employment.
Count 3 (Wilful disobedience)
Contravening section 4 (f) of the National Code of Conduct (S.1 15 of 2006) in that the Respondent willfully disregarded an instruction from the club to provide receipts and invoices in support of payments made by the club as well as the Agreement with Gilport Enterprises (Pvt) Ltd.]
Count 4 (Absence from work without leave)
Contravening section 4 (f) of the National Code of Conduct (S.I 15 OF 2006) in that you absented yourself from work for a period of 5 days or more without lawful excuse or authority from the 29th of June 2026.
This and many other governance matters by this executive look set to top deliberations at the club’s extraordinary general meeting on Sunday morning ahead of the blockbuster against Scottland FC.
