Possible financial mismanagement, evidence of document-shredding and deleted computer files were uncovered at Athletics South Africa (ASA) after its interim board took office, the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) said on Wednesday.
“We understand there have been accusations that perhaps we haven’t dealt with things in a speedy manner,” Sascoc chief executive Tubby Reddy said in a statement. “However, we have been working tirelessly behind the scenes and due process has been followed,” he said.
A forensic audit of the ASA’s finances and administration would be conducted by Deloitte and Touche.
Its interim board is headed by administrator and Sascoc board member Ray Mali.
Reddy said charge sheets were being prepared on each of the people suspended and disciplinary hearings would be held from mid-March onward.
“When the forensic audit process is completed, and if a commission of inquiry or criminal charges are necessary, this will evolve at that stage,” he said.
Reddy announced that, on taking office, Mali found machines used to shred documentation, and that computer files had been deleted and destroyed.
“Serious concerns” were raised about the organisation’s finances.
Sascoc agreed last month that an audit was needed. — Sapa