Prominent soccer player Thabo Matlaba was arrested by Rabie Ridge police for an alleged assault on 27 February at Phomolong.
The Orlando Pirates footballer was accused of assault by Naledi Shuping from Kagiso.
Shuping alleges that in November last year Matlaba assaulted her at Rabie Ridge’s Kwamashaya Tavern after she had arrived with her friend, who is supposedly Matlaba’s girlfriend.
Rabie Ridge police spokesperson Captain Matsobane Masela said, “Allegedly another of Matlaba’s girlfriends arrived while he was with another girl and her friend, Shuping. A fight broke out between the ladies, which resulted in Shuping urging her friend to leave. This allegedly angered Matlaba and resulted in him allegedly beating Shuping.”
Shuping opened a case of assault against the footballer in Kagiso last year but the case was transferred to Rabie Ridge Police Station this year.
Matlaba appeared before the Tembisa Magistrates’ Court on 27 February but the matter was eventually struck off the roll and will be re-opened if further evidence is brought forward.
“None of the alleged girlfriends gave a statement about the incident, therefore, it was only Shuping’s side of the story that was used in the case.”
Details: Rabie Ridge Police Station 011 310 0400.
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