CSA respond to match-fixing claims about Robbie Frylinck and others

Cricket South Africa have formally responded to the banned Thami Tsolekile's claims of unfair treatment.File image: Robbie Frylinck.

Cricket South Africa have formally responded to the banned Thami Tsolekile’s claims of unfair treatment.

Tsolekile, who is currently serving a 12-year ban for match-fixing, publicly implicated Dolphins duo Robbie Frylinck, Vaughn van Jaarsveld and others earlier this week.

“Cricket South Africa have noted with concern some of the unfounded allegations in the media by players banned for their part in the match-fixing scandal arising from the 2015 Ram Slam T20 Challenge,” read Friday’s statement from CSA.

“Contrary to the allegation that South African Cricketers’ Association carried out the investigation, the investigation was carried out by CSA’s anti-corruption unit, under the guidance and authority of retired judge Bernard Ngoepe.

“A comprehensive investigation was carried out over approximately 18 months, with the CSA anti-corruption unit acting in collaboration with, and with the assistance of judge Ngoepe, specialist external lawyers, the International Cricket Council, the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the Hawks and an external digital forensic team. The CSA board was kept regularly updated on developments pertaining to the investigation.

“The players largely cooperated with the investigation. Each of the players were represented by their own attorneys, who assisted in advising them on their rights and obligations under the CSA anti-corruption code.

“These attorneys had the opportunity of sitting in on every meeting with the respective players, and assisted them in both evaluating the evidence presented and in concluding their sanction agreements in terms of which they pleaded guilty to various corruption-related offences under the code.

“At no time did any of the players or their respective attorneys submit that they were coerced into admitting their guilt or signing their sanction agreements. They did so willingly and, in fact, were consulted on, and provided input into, the respective press releases announcing confirmation of the offences to which they had admitted. Audio and video recordings were made of all the interviews with all the participants and now form part of the ongoing criminal investigation.

“On the allegation made by Mr Tsolekile that he was not presented with any evidence and did not receive any charges, Judge Ngoepe said: ‘This is not the truth. Mr Tsolekile received a formal charge sheet as is required under the code. He was also presented with extensive evidence in the presence of his lawyer.’

“Regarding the accusations relating to alleged discrimination, Judge Ngoepe said: ‘The allegation that the investigation deliberately targeted black players must also be rejected. Both white and black players were investigated and charged, based on the evidence that was collected and presented.'”

File image: Thami Tsolekile.

File image: Thami Tsolekile.

Tsolekile also implicated Dolphins duo Robbie Frylinck and Vaughn van Jaarsveld in match-fixing, which has also involved former Proteas batsman Gulam Bodi.

“According to Mr Bodi, the names of many prominent players and icons of the game, both black and white, were bandied around by him as a tactic to put players that he approached at ease. The possible involvement of all these players was thoroughly investigated. It is not practice during investigations, nor fair towards these players who were cited, to publicise their names,” continued CSA.

“Regarding the allegation that van Jaarsveld was approached by Mr Bodi and failed to disclose this approach, CSA confirms that both he and Craig Alexander were approached by Mr Bodi and both players reported the matter to SACA and to the ACU as required by CSA anti-corruption code and the prevention and combating of corrupt activities act (Act 12 of 2004). Their possible involvement in the match-fixing scheme was fully investigated, not only by the investigating team, but also by the Hawks and they were cleared of any wrongdoing.

“‘Both Vaughn and Craig must be commended for doing the right thing,’ added judge Ngoepe. ‘They acted with courage and integrity, notwithstanding the pressure that was placed upon them.’ CSA undertook to protect the identity of these players during the investigation in their own interest and that of their families. This process is important as the ACU relies on the goodwill and responsibility of players to come forward when they are approached.”

File image: Vaughn van Jaarsveld.

CSA anti-corruption officer Louis Cole added: “The allegation of match-fixing during the Champions League Twenty20 by Mr Frylinck was never mentioned by Mr Tsolelike during his interviews with the ACU. Both Mr Alexander and van Jaarsveld reported to the ACU that Mr Bodi had mentioned this as part of his approach.

“Although that relates to a separate tournament outside South Africa and falls under the jurisdiction of the ICC, it was referred to the ICC ACU for investigation. At no stage prior to the Ram Slam T20 Challenge investigation did Mr Tsolekile or any other player provide any evidence to substantiate this claim as required by the code.

“According to Mr Bodi, he requested Mr van Jaarsveld to recruit Mr Frylinck to participate in the match-fixing scheme. This aspect was thoroughly investigated, including interviewing one of the bookmakers in India, and no evidence was uncovered to support the possibility that Mr Frylinck had been recruited.”

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Erratum: ClubCricketSA mistakenly stated Craig Alexander was implicated in match-fixing. This was definitely incorrect. He was, in fact, a whistleblower on match-fixing, as commended by judge Bernard Ngoepe. We have personally and privately apologised to Craig for our error – but are doing so publicly here, too.