Ex Orlando Pirates Defender Tonic Chabalala Arrested for Allegedly Defrauding City of Johannesburg of R15m

• Former Orlando Pirates player Tonic Chabalala is reported to have been arrested for alleged fraud and corruption
• The 43-year-old has been accused of defrauding the City of Johannesburg of millions of rands through manipulation of its tendering processes
• Chabalala played in defence throughout his career, having also turned out in the colours of Thanda Royal Zulu and Dynamos

Former Orlando Pirates defender Tonic Chabalala is in big trouble, having been arrested for alleged fraud and corruption.

Chabalala, a native of Giyani in Limpopo, is expected to appear at the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Monday to apply for bail.

According to Sunday World, National Prosecuting Authority South Gauteng spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane confirmed that the former footie is facing charges of fraud and corruption.

He said:

“We can confirm that a former Orlando Pirates player, whom we cannot name at this stage because he has not yet appeared in court, has been charged with fraud [and] corruption of about R15-million for allegations of fraudulently creating requests for quotes for companies to be awarded tenders by the City of Johannesburg."

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Football

According to the publication, details of Chabalala’s case were still sketchy at the time of publishing the story. The 43-year-old also played for Thanda Royal Zulu and Dynamos FC after leaving Pirates in 2004.

Chabalala is not the only former Pirates player who has run afoul of the law. Last November, Patrick Phungwayo was arrested with an alleged accomplice in connection with a string of armed robberies on the east side of Johannesburg, as reported by Soccer Laduma.

Ex Orlando Pirates players Edward "MaGents" Motale and Tonic Chabalala unsurprised by Fadlu Davids' departure

Former Orlando Pirates players Tonic Chabalala and Edward “Magents” Motale were unsurprised that the club parted ways with co-coach Fadlu Davids after a disappointing season.

As reported by Sports Brief, Pirates stated on Friday that the former Maritzburg United striker and coach had walked the Buccaneers' plank after an unsuccessful season alongside co-coach Mandla Ncikazi.

He and co-coach Mandla Ncikazi took the helm early in the season after Josef Zinnbauer's sudden departure following an MTN 8 loss to Moroka Swallows last August.