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Maties case to haunt Roux?

Cape Town - SARU CEO Jurie Roux has responded to the completed forensic investigation into financial irregularities at Stellenbosch University, which has since been handed over to the South African Police Service (SAPS).

The investigation implicated Chris de Beer, who took over as chairperson of the Stellenbosch Rugby Football club from Roux.

De Beer had allegedly transferred funds from student accounts to a personal bank account to draw interest, while he was deputy director of student finances.

He has since been dismissed by the university.

Roux, who was also chairperson of the Varsity Cup (Pty) Ltd, was a senior director of finances and asset management at the university before being named as the new chief executive of SARU.

In a statement released by SARU, Roux confirmed that he was interviewed by the auditors appointed by the university.

“Some months ago I was interviewed on one occasion by auditors appointed by Stellenbosch University on a policy matter relating to the authority to transfer funds internally.

"There was no suggestion of personal gain.

"I am not aware of any charges against me," Roux stated.

“I understand that a report has been filed with the SAPS for investigation, but I have no knowledge of its contents or the accusations against me.

"I deny any wrongdoing. 

“I must stress that the discussions that took place related to events prior to my appointment as CEO of the South African Rugby Union and do not relate to any activities of SARU.

"I advised my employers that I had been called to interview as part of the Stellenbosch audit and they were fully aware of the process.

“My main concern now is that this report does not affect the operations of SARU and that the matter is cleared up as soon as possible.

“With that in mind it would not be helpful in either cause to say anything further at this time,” the statement read.

The university had earlier released a statement on Monday in which they confirmed the culmination of the investigation.

"Stellenbosch University (SU) previously announced further forensic investigations into the alleged non-compliance to financial policy and internal procedures at the university.

"This came as a result of the legal actions that had to be taken against Chris de Beer, a former deputy director of student fees in this regard towards the end of 2012," read the statement.

SARU president Oregan Hoskins confirmed that the investigation will have no bearing on Roux as the organisation's CEO.

“We were advised by our CEO (Roux) of the conversation that took place some time ago in relation to his former employment at the University of Stellenbosch.

“We are in no position to comment on the detail of the audit as it does not relate to the activities of the South African Rugby Union and pre-dates the appointment of Jurie Roux as CEO of SARU.

“This is entirely a Stellenbosch University matter and has no bearing on the CEO’s role at SARU.

“All I can say is that Jurie Roux is an outstanding CEO of SARU who, among other things, has been rigorous in ensuring that the highest standards of corporate governance have been applied in our organisation.

"He continues to enjoy our full confidence and support.”

Hoskins reiterated that SARU would make no further comment on the matter.

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