Elton Jantjies, the Springbok flyhalf, may be off the hook if he keeps his word. His case was conditionally withdrawn last week before the Kempton Park Magistrate Court after the 2019 Rugby World Cup champions player agreed to pay damages for injuries he caused aboard an Emirates plane.
“The case was set down for the outcome of representations he lodged with the senior public prosecutor of Kempton Park and, after careful consideration, the prosecution decided to provisionally withdraw his prosecution, pending confirmation of payment for damages caused to the plane, as per commitment from Jantjies,” said NPA regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
Malicious property damage and violation of the Aviation Act are the charges leveled against him. The Springbok flyhalf player was traveling back to the country from a family vacation in Turkey in the business section of Emirates airline when he allegedly shattered a TV screen and bulb after shattering a glass that wounded his finger and was asked to return to his seat.
Mr. Jantjies made his first appearance before the Magistrate court on the 16th of May 2022, after being arrested for malicious damage at O.R Tambo International Airport. He was granted an R1000 bail application. “The prosecution will continue to work with Emirates Arline, the complainant, to verify that the accused is following his instructions,” Mjonomdwane said. Mr. J. Antjies has remained silent about his side of the tale.
The news of a rugby star’s acquittal in a criminal case did not sit well with some law-abiding citizens who believed there were double standards at work, “The Untouchables – Sport!” When my friend committed the same nonsense, he was imprisoned in Dubai for eight months…….double standards!!” stated John Haigh.
Jantjies’arrest was confirmed by his agent, James Adams. “While it is stated that a light was destroyed while on board, we believe the incident has been exaggerated unnecessarily.” Our client, on the other hand, continues to cooperate with the investigation and will treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves. We would like to allow the legal authorities to attend this without undue influence, and we ask that the public and the press respect the legal process without passing judgment, as well as our client’s right to privacy.”
During the 2011 Super Rugby season, Jantjies made his professional debut with the Lions (Super Rugby), and his international debut with the Springboks during the inaugural Rugby Championship. He has won a number of prestigious athletic honors, including the SARU Young Player of the Year award (2010) and the SA U20 Player of the Year award (2012). (2010). He has 44 caps for the Boks and was a member of the winning Bok squad at the 2019 World Cup.
“We would like to allow the legal authorities to attend this without any undue influence,We also request that the public and the press respect the legal process without casting judgment, and that our client’s right to privacy be respected,” said South African National Rugby Union (SARU) in a statement.”
Source of news:News24
