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BBC News Online: Sport: Cricket


Friday, 2 June, 2000, 08:17 GMT 09:17 UK

Cronje blames Satan


Hansie Cronje
Former South Africa captain Hansie Cronje has blamed his errant behaviour which led to the match-fixing scandal on Satan, according to reports.

The bizarre confession, which was made to evangelist Ray McCauley, is currently being dealt with by the commission of inquiry looking into the Cronje affair.

Cronje admits to having "taken his eyes off Jesus" when Satan approached him.

"In a moment of stupidity and weakness I allowed Satan and the world to dictate terms to me," said Cronje.

"The moment I took my eyes off Jesus my whole world turned dark," added the South African in the confession.

Confession

The commission, which will be headed by retired judge Edwin King, has confirmed the authenticity of the confession.

But commission secretary John Bacon asked the media to limit references to the document as the hearings have yet to start.

The confession provides the first insight into Cronje's justification for his behaviour, tracing his dedication to christianity.

Cronje became involved with born again Christians after a girl darted in front of his car as he was travelling to Empangeni in Zululand for a provincial game in the early 1990s. The girl died.

Cronje, Herschelle Gibbs, Nicky Boje and Pieter Strydom were implicated in match-fixing by Indian police on April 7. All have denied the charges.


Related to this story:
Cricket world shocked at Cronje sacking (11 Apr 00 | Cricket)
Cronje could face police (30 May 00 | Cricket)
Match-fixing bookies identified (28 May 00 | Cricket)
Cricket chiefs launch Cronje inquiry (12 Apr 00 | Cricket)
'Fixing' inquiry demands tapes (17 May 00 | Cricket)
Interpol asked to enter Cronje case (29 May 00 | Cricket)
Cronje faces fresh controversy (24 May 00 | Cricket)
SA cricket captain charged (08 Apr 00 | Cricket)


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