Africa-Press – South-Africa. There is a chance Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies’ malicious damage to property case will be resolved through mediation.
Jantjies was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Saturday after he allegedly damaged property on an Emirates flight.
‘Come on, my darling’: Bok flyhalf bloodied knuckles on door as ‘terrified’ air hostess hid in loo
Jantjies was charged with malicious damage to property and contravening the Civil Aviation Act.
He made a brief appearance in the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday afternoon.
The mediation suggestion was mentioned when the prosecutor asked that the case be postponed for further investigation.
He told the court the option of mediation could be explored.
Jantjies, who was accompanied by his mother Alma, was escorted into court by two bodyguards. He was dressed in all black with white Louis Vuitton shoes and appeared calm in court.
Before proceedings started, his lawyer, Nabeela Moola, argued the court should oppose a media application to film and take pictures of the proceedings.
Moola told the court the State had not proven Jantjies had committed an offence.
She told the court media coverage after his arrest has been misleading and speculative.
Moola also argued should the court grant the application, it would jeopardise Jantjies’ reputation and that of his employer.
She told the court Jantjies was a renowned Springbok and stood to lose his contracts gained as a result of his status as a professional rugby player..
In response, prosecutor Mornville Ngobeni argued Moola did not indicate how the media coverage would tarnish his reputation and that of his employer.
“Is it because he is arrested or is [it] the fact that he appears [sic] on certain newspaper or covers that will allow him to lose his employment?”
The magistrate granted the order for media coverage.
Jantjies was arrested shortly after landing at OR Tambo on Sunday.
Gauteng National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said they received complaints that Jantjies, who was travelling in business class, was swearing at passengers and crew members.
“He is also alleged to have broken a TV screen and bulb when he was ordered to return to his seat after breaking a glass that cut his finger in the business class stretching area,” Mjonondwane added.
He was flying alone after a family holiday in Turkey.
Jantjies was detained at the police station at the airport and was released on R1 000 bail on Sunday.
For More News And Analysis About South-Africa Follow Africa-Press
