Orlando Pirates have applied to the Johannesburg High Court for an order freezing R20.2 million allegedly connected to former finance manager Darryl Joselowsky.
The application follows an internal forensic investigation into the club’s financial transactions. Court documents allege that about R43.1 million in unauthorised funds moved from Orlando Pirates accounts into accounts controlled by Joselowsky between 2016 and 2026.
The papers describe Joselowsky’s former role at the club as one involving an exceptionally high degree of responsibility and trust. In an affidavit, Orlando Pirates commercial manager Mpumelelo Khoza said Joselowsky held a position of “extreme personal and fiduciary trust”.
He allegedly had “complete responsibility for managing the bank accounts, payroll, supplier disbursements and financial ledgers.”
According to the forensic investigation, concerns first emerged in July 2026 after routine reviews of management accounts reportedly revealed significant discrepancies.
Orlando Pirates then approached the High Court without notifying Joselowsky in advance. The club argues that giving him prior warning could have allowed funds to be transferred before any court intervention.
The affidavit states that “if an interim freezing order is refused, [Joselowsky] will dissipate the stolen proceeds across multiple local and offshore banking accounts”, which could result in “an irreparable monetary loss to the club.”
The application also refers to Joselowsky’s Austrian citizenship. Orlando Pirates says this is relevant to its concerns about the possible movement of funds and his ability to leave South Africa.
The matter includes civil recovery proceedings, while a criminal process is also under way as Orlando Pirates seeks to establish what happened to the money identified by the investigation.
Club spokesperson Thandi Merafe stressed that the court application should not be regarded as a final finding against the former employee.
Orlando Pirates described the legal action as a “precautionary step to preserve funds while the matter is investigated”. The club added that “the application is a precautionary step to protect the Club’s funds” and “does not constitute a final judicial finding of wrongdoing.”
Attempts by media members to find Joselowsky at his listed residence in Glenhazel have reportedly been unsuccessful. Estate security indicated that there was no record of him at the address.
The High Court proceedings will determine the next steps as Orlando Pirates seeks to preserve the funds identified in the investigation and trace the transactions in question.
The club’s immediate priority is to protect its financial interests while the allegations are considered by the High Court and relevant authorities through the legal process.
