Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira [email protected]
HIGHLANDERS have moved to strengthen their case against suspended chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla by appointing an independent disciplinary committee expected to hear his case within the next 14 days, while the club is also understood to have formally reported the matter to the police.
The latest developments mark a significant escalation in one of the most serious administrative crises to confront the Bulawayo giants in recent years, with the club determined to ensure the disciplinary process is conducted in a manner that is procedurally sound and legally defensible.
Zimpapers Sports Hub has established that the committee will comprise individuals drawn from outside the club’s executive committee.
A financial lawyer is expected to form part of the panel, reflecting the financial nature of some of the allegations currently under investigation.
Sources said the committee’s mandate will be to independently assess the evidence before making recommendations on the appropriate course of action.
“The club has learnt from what happened during the first suspension. This time they have followed the correct procedures and an independent committee will hear the matter. The hearing is expected to be convened within the next 14 days,” said a source close to on-goings at the club.
The move follows Mnkandla’s second suspension in three months over allegations linked to Highlanders’ pre-season training camp in Botswana.
He was initially suspended earlier this year before successfully challenging the process through his legal representatives, who argued that the club had failed to adhere to proper disciplinary procedures.
“The challenge resulted in his reinstatement pending fresh action by the executive committee.
Determined to avoid a repeat of the procedural shortcomings that undermined the first suspension, Highlanders have now restarted the disciplinary process, placing particular emphasis on fairness, transparency and independence.
Apart from the disciplinary proceedings, the matter has now been formally reported to the police.
Zimpapers Sports Hub understands that the decision to involve law enforcement was taken because aspects of the investigation relate to a foreign company engaged during the Botswana trip, with the club believing some of the issues may extend beyond the scope of an internal disciplinary process.
While any police investigation is expected to proceed independently, the disciplinary committee will focus on determining whether Mnkandla breached his duties and responsibilities as Highlanders’ chief executive officer.
Among the allegations under investigation are claims that Highlanders suffered prejudice amounting to approximately US$20 000 during the Botswana training camp. Mnkandla is also facing allegations of insubordination.
Sources further allege that investigators are continuing to seek supporting financial documentation, including receipts and records relating to expenditure incurred during the trip.
The latest developments are also understood to have reassured some of the club’s sponsors, who have been calling for accountability, sound governance and a transparent resolution of the matter.
By appointing an independent disciplinary panel and referring aspects of the case to the police, the Highlanders executive believes it has demonstrated its commitment to transparency, accountability and due process.
Executive committee member Kindman Ndlovu will oversee the club’s day-to-day operations in the interim.
