Highlanders FC have stepped up disciplinary proceedings against suspended chief executive officer Denzil Mnkandla by appointing an independent disciplinary committee to hear the case, while also referring aspects of the matter to the police.
The hearing is expected to take place within the next 14 days as the Bulawayo club seeks to resolve one of its most significant administrative disputes in recent years.
According to sources familiar with the process, the disciplinary panel will be made up of individuals from outside the club’s executive committee in a move aimed at ensuring fairness, independence and procedural integrity.
A financial lawyer is expected to serve on the committee because several of the allegations under investigation involve financial matters.
The panel has been tasked with reviewing the evidence before making recommendations on the appropriate disciplinary action.
“The club has learnt from what happened during the first suspension. This time they have followed the correct procedures and an independent committee will hear the matter. The hearing is expected to be convened within the next 14 days,” a source close to the developments said.
Mnkandla is facing his second suspension in three months over allegations linked to Highlanders’ pre-season training camp in Botswana.
His initial suspension was overturned after his legal representatives successfully argued that the club had failed to follow proper disciplinary procedures, leading to his reinstatement while the matter was reconsidered.
Highlanders have since restarted the disciplinary process, placing greater emphasis on compliance with due process to avoid the procedural flaws that affected the earlier proceedings.
In a further escalation of the matter, the club has formally reported aspects of the case to the police.
Sources said law enforcement was brought in because part of the investigation involves a foreign company that was engaged during the Botswana training camp, with the club believing some issues may extend beyond the scope of an internal disciplinary inquiry.
Any police investigation will run separately from the club’s disciplinary process.
Internally, the committee will determine whether Mnkandla breached his responsibilities as chief executive officer.
Among the allegations being investigated are claims that Highlanders suffered financial prejudice of approximately US$20,000 during the Botswana trip. Mnkandla is also accused of insubordination.
Investigators are reportedly gathering supporting financial records, including receipts and other documentation relating to expenditure incurred during the pre-season camp.
The latest developments are also understood to have reassured some of Highlanders’ sponsors, who have reportedly called for greater accountability, transparency and sound corporate governance in resolving the matter.
Club officials believe appointing an independent disciplinary panel and involving the police demonstrates Highlanders’ commitment to transparency, accountability and due process.
In the meantime, executive committee member Kindman Ndlovu has assumed responsibility for overseeing the club’s day-to-day operations.
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