The Board of the South African Sports Confederation, Olympic and Paralympic Committee (SASCOC) has suspended its President, Barry Hendricks, with immediate effect.

The Board said the decision was made in accordance with SASCOC’s governance protocols and ongoing internal review processes.

Hendricks was suspended after anonymous complaints were lodged with the SASCOC Board over alleged breaches of the federation’s safeguarding policy and Codes Handbook.

“The Board appointed retired Judge Basheer Waglay to investigate the anonymous complaints.

“In his report, Judge Waglay recommended that there was prima facie evidence to warrant referral of the complaints to the SASCOC Judicial Body for further action,” read a statement from SASCOC.

The federation sought to clarify that Hendricks’ suspension does not constitute a finding of wrongdoing. However, it said the suspension was necessary to maintain the integrity of the organisation and ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the matters.

SASCOC said it remained committed to upholding the highest standards of transparency, accountability and good governance in sports administration.

“The Board notes that everybody is presumed innocent until proven guilty in an appropriate forum. The matter is now sub judice, and the Board requests everyone to respect due process.

“No further comments will be made by the organisation until the internal processes are completed.”

SASCOC’s First Vice-President, Lwandile Simelane, has been appointed acting president to ensure continuous leadership and stability within the organisation.