Two Northern Cape Cricket officials suspended amid ongoing probe

Following events reported in this publication back in March – when Northern Cape Cricket (NCC) was placed under administration and its leadership removed by court order as the Special Investigating Unit launched a probe into alleged irregular Covid-19 TERS benefit claims – Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed further developments.

NCC Chief Executive Officer Thapelo Januarie and Northern Cape Heat Team Manager Mbulelo Bosman have been placed on precautionary suspension. This follows the findings of an internal audit report and subsequent investigations into the operations of the provincial cricket union.

In a formal statement to the Diamond Fields Advertiser, CSA stated:“Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirms the precautionary suspension of Northern Cape Cricket (NCC) Chief Executive Officer Thapelo Januarie and Northern Cape Heat Team Manager Mbulelo Bosman. 

“This action follows ongoing investigations at the Union based on the findings of an internal audit report. To maintain the integrity of the process and protect those involved, no further details will be disclosed at this stage.”

The statement also confirmed that the NCC Board had been temporarily dissolved after CSA exercised its step-in rights and appointed Jesse Chellan as Administrator to manage the affairs of the Union. 

Chellan is now overseeing the operations to ensure stability during the investigation period.

Reactions from those affected

Speaking to the DFA, Januarie said he was surprised by how the situation unfolded, noting that he first became aware of the possibility of his suspension through a media article.

“I was attending a Cricket South Africa workshop on Sunday when I saw an article in Rapport stating that I would be suspended,” Januarie said.

He added that he returned to Kimberley on Monday and went to the NCC offices the following day, where he was formally served with the suspension letter.

“A board meeting had been held, and it was decided that I should be placed on precautionary suspension,” he explained. “In the letter, there is no finding and no formal charge against me. When I asked what the basis for the suspension was, I was told a charge sheet would only be provided after the investigation is completed.”

Januarie added that he welcomes the investigation, saying, “Let it be done so that I can put this matter behind me.”

Meanwhile, Mbulelo Bosman, the suspended Northern Cape Heat Team Manager, shared similar sentiments. He too learnt about his suspension through the media.

“To be honest, I don’t even know why I am suspended, as there are no charges,” Bosman said. 

“All I can say is, let there be an investigation by all means,” he added.

High Court ruling casts long shadow

The suspensions come just months after a landmark ruling in the Northern Cape Division of the High Court in Kimberley, which may have played a significant role in the current developments. 

On February 21 2025, Judge Mpho Catherine Mamosebo found NCC President Gison Molale, along with board members Mbulelo Bosman, Samuel Molawe, Rizwaan Engelbrecht, and CEO Thapelo Januarie, to be delinquent directors under Section 162 of the Companies Act.

In her judgement, Judge Mamosebo wrote: “I am satisfied that, cumulatively, the effect of the conduct of the second to sixth respondents (Molale, Bosman, Molawe, Engelbrecht and January) in failing to carry out their duties as directors to the company – in relation to failing to prepare annual financial statements, the holding of the AGM in contravention of the Memorandum of Incorporation, the irregular appointment of the sixth respondent as the company’s CEO, the failure to convene the required number of board meetings, as well as the financial mismanagement of the first respondent (NCC) – justifies making an order declaring them to be delinquent directors.”

The judgement further stated that their actions amounted to gross negligence and wilful misconduct, making them unfit to serve as company directors.

As a result of the court order, the five individuals have been disqualified and prohibited from holding directorial positions in any company.

CSA seeks stability and accountability.

CSA’s intervention through the suspension of key officials and the appointment of an Administrator signals a strong message of accountability and governance. 

While details remain scarce due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, the governing body has made it clear that the integrity of the process and the sport remain paramount.

Cricket South Africa’s decision to take firm action appears to be a response to growing pressure to clean up mismanagement within its provincial structures, and this case may become a critical test of how provincial unions are held accountable moving forward.

For now, both suspended officials remain without formal charges but under the cloud of an investigation with far-reaching implications for the future of cricket in the Northern Cape.