Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Thandani Ntshumayelo is set to appear in the Randburg Magistrates Court in Johannesburg, following accusations of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm against his girlfriend Itumeleng Alice, earlier this year in February.
According to TimesLive, the complainant, who is in a relationship with Thandani, alleges that during a gathering at his home, a fight broke out between Thandani and one of his friends. When she attempted to intervene, Thandani allegedly became aggressive, slapping her, grabbing her by the head hitting it against a wall, and pushing her to the ground.
The ex-footballer, known for his significant role in South African football, now awaits the court’s decision on the charges.
Daily Sun reports that Thandani faced a court appearance on June 10, and was postponed because the complainant, Itumeleng, did not attend mediation despite attempts to contact her. Thandani was arrested and released on R1 000 bail.
His career with Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United was marked by a football ban in 2016 due to a positive cocaine test, which was later reduced to two years following an appeal.
In 2018 following his ban, Thandani returned to football but struggled with stability, notably with Baroka and Swallows. He announced his retirement from football in a statement. He expressed gratitude to SuperSport United with two national team caps, where he began his professional career at 18.
Additionally, incidents involving football players in assault cases have garnered attention. In late 2023, Orlando Pirates player Thembinkosi Lorch was also in court for assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Fundiswa Nokuphiwa Mathithibala.
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