By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Steven Swarts (left) with Wayde van Niekerk and Odessa Swarts. Picture: Gallo Images.
Athletics Free State (AFS) president Steven Swarts has been suspended with immediate effect pending a disciplinary inquiry, Athletics SA (ASA) said.
Swarts was found guilty of sexual assault in 2020 and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, suspended for five years.
In 2018 Swarts had inserted fingers into the victim, a female athlete he was coaching at the time, while giving her a massage.
But despite the conviction he was elected as president of the provincial body in late 2023 and when some club officials called for a vote of no confidence in him they were suspended by the AFS board.
He is the stepfather and coach of world 400m world record-holder Wayde van Niekerk.
“The ASA board unanimously resolved at its meeting on Thursday to suspend … Swarts … with immediate effect, pending the convening of a disciplinary inquiry into his conduct that has brought ASA into disrepute,” the national federation said in a statement.
ASA said the AFS membership “appeared to have been misled about the gravity of the offence and its outcome”.
The Athletics body said its board conferred with the AFS executive in late February. “There were factions that were still supporting Swarts while others vehemently opposed him holding office.”
ASA said Swarts was informed of the disciplinary action on Saturday morning.
“Swarts has been relieved of all his duties and functions in the sport of athletics pending the conclusion of a disciplinary inquiry to be conducted by ASA’s disciplinary committee.
The Vice President of AFS, Mr Leonard Jingose will act as President of AFS pending the outcome of the disciplinary proceedings against Swarts or until elections are held to elect a new President.