Cosafa clears Mlauzi

THE Confederation of Southern African Football Association (Cosafa) Ethics Committee has cleared Mighty Warriors head coach Shadreck Mlauzi of sexual assault charges that were recently levelled against him.

Mlauzi was facing allegations of indecently assaulting a female member of the senior women’s technical team in South Africa during the Cosafa Women’s Championship 2023.

Mlauzi’s exoneration by the Cosafa Ethics Committee came after he was cleared of the same charges by the courts.

A decision was made by the three-member Cosafa Ethics Committee and it has since been communicated to the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) and copied to Mlauzi and his accuser.

In a judgment seen by ‘Zimpapers Sports Hub’, the Cosafa Ethics Committee chairperson Mamy Natach Andrianaivosa wrote:

“Having considered all evidence submitted, both orally and in documentary form, and determining the matter on a balance of probabilities, the committee finds the evidence of the accused more probable and consequently does not believe the complainant’s version.

“The effect of the finding in (1) above means the committee could not find that a case for sexual harassment against the accused exists.”

The committee recommended that there was a need for the association to have a workshop on sexual harassment in the region and prepare a public meeting room for use by all associations.

“Cosafa safeguarding service ought to prepare a public meeting room for use by all associations to avoid meeting in single rooms and establish a schedule for use in each tournament or COSAFA event,” further read the judgment.

In a letter written to the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) dated January 17, 2024, and copied to Mlauzi and his accuser, Cosafa executive director Sue Destombes emphasised the need to review the findings by their ethics committee.

“You will find the official decision of the Cosafa Ethics Committee, detailing the findings and the resulting actions to be taken. Please review the document thoroughly to understand the committee’s conclusions and the rationale behind the decision. It is important to note that any party who is aggrieved by the outcome of the case has the right to appeal within 30 days from the date of this letter.

“The appeal should be submitted to the COSAFA Appeals Committee via email at [email protected]. All relevant information and grounds for appeal should be clearly outlined in the notice of appeal.

“We appreciate your co-operation and adherence to the procedures outlined by Cosafa. Transparency and fairness are fundamental to the integrity of the process, and your commitment to these principles is crucial in maintaining the credibility of the Cosafa Ethics Committee,” wrote Destombes. — @FungaiMuderere