EMALAHLENI – The Witbank Magistrate's Court on Thursday, 02 July 2026, postponed the bail application of eMalahleni development soccer coach Samson Sifiso Mathebula to 09 July 2026 after the State added a third charge alleging the sexual molestation of a minor boy.
Mathebula had been expected to formally apply for bail, but the matter was postponed to allow the additional charge to be incorporated into the existing case. He remains in custody pending his next court appearance.
Community members, the mothers of the alleged victims and gender-based violence activists gathered outside the court in support of the complainants, calling for the accused to be denied bail.
Abongile Mcoki, founder of All Voices Matter, said the organisation strongly opposes bail for those accused of sexually abusing children.
"We do not condone sex offenders getting bail. He cannot be facing three charges and be roaming the streets of eMalahleni. We want him to remain behind bars," Mcoki said.
In a statement, the eMalahleni Local Football Association (LFA) said it "continues to stand firmly with the young victims and remains committed to absolute transparency as this situation unfolds."
The association confirmed that "three brave young boys have come forward to report the abuse they endured, with the number of those affected more likely to increase." It added that it had moved swiftly to engage the affected families, initiate internal processes and cooperate with law enforcement.
The LFA further stated that it is working with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to ensure that "any individual who commits an assault against our players is permanently banned from our leagues and held legally accountable."
The association also urged parents to verify that football academies are officially affiliated with the LFA, ensure coaches have undergone the necessary vetting and qualifications, and contact the association directly if they have concerns about an academy's legitimacy.
The matter was postponed to Thursday, 09 July 2026, when Mathebula's formal bail application is expected to be heard.
