/ 30 August 2004

Match fixing: Cases postponed

The case of five soccer referees accused of match fixing was postponed in the Pretoria Regional Court on Monday to October 6.

Bail was extended for Reuben Maruping Kgatla, Malose Jonas Mokonyane, Kgomase Michael Sikwe, Masithela Patrick Phandiwe and Christopher Choane.

All were previously released on R1 000 bail following their arrests in Midrand and Pretoria.

The accused are among over 30 referees who were arrested in a nationwide crackdown on referees suspected of match fixing. Police investigations started in April at the request of SA Football Association president Molefi Olifant.

This followed allegations that referees and match officials were being paid large sums of money to fix first division and premier league games. – Sapa