Former Soccer Star Faces Assault Charge

Retired footballer, Thandani Ntshumayelo, is in hot water after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend.

According to reports, an alleged fight initially broke out between Ntshumayelo – affectionately known as “Bibo” by his fans – and one of his friends during a gathering at his Gauteng residence last Friday, 2 February.

“[Ntshumayelo’s girlfriend] then tried to intervene in an attempt to calm down the accused,” explained Phindi Mjonondwane, a spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority’s Gauteng branch.

“Ntshumayelo then allegedly became aggressive towards her, by slapping her across the face, grabbed her by her head and hit [her head] against the wall. She further alleges that he then pushed her to the ground,” Mjonondwane added.

Arrested and facing a charge of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, Ntshumayelo appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg on Monday, 5 February. He was granted R1 000 bail, and is scheduled to appear in court again on 4 April.

Despite playing for the likes of Orlando Pirates, Swallows FC and even the South African national men’s team, the 33-year-old’s career has been overshadowed by controversy over the years. Notably, he received a four-year ban (later reduced to two) after he tested positive for an illegal substance in 2016.

Ntshumayelo retired from the sport last June.

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