Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo has apologised to the public for speeding at the weekend, saying he has learnt from the experience.
Speaking to The Star ahead of his court appearance on Wednesday, the soccer star said he didn't intend to harm anyone.
“I apologise to everyone for my behaviour and for putting other people's lives in danger,” he said before going into court on Wednesday.
“Although I can't justify what I have done, I have learnt from it and I am sincerely sorry,” said Mhlongo, 25, who was arrested on Friday morning for driving at 173km/h on the Golden Highway and for driving a VW Polo without number plates. He was taken to Langlaagte police station and later released on bail of R1 000.
His arrest came hours before his wedding, which was held in Pretoria on Saturday. He said the reason he was speeding was because he was rushing to a family meeting to discuss the final details of his nuptials.
The soccer star has also denied reports that he was drunk at the time of his arrest, and referred The Star to a document issued to him by police officers which stated that he was charged only for reckless and negligent driving.
On Wednesday, he made a brief appearance in the Brixton Magistrate’s Court. The case was postponed to April 7 and the matter was transferred to the traffic court based in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.
Despite his short time in the dock, Mhlongo and about 13 others who were caught speeding this weekend had to wait several hours before their matters were called.
This was due to administrative issues as the group who initially showed up at the Brixton court on Wednesday morning were later told that their cases would be heard at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court.
But once they showed up there, Mhlongo and the others were sent back to Brixton as officials said that was where the matter was due to be heard.
Following news of the goalkeeper’s arrest, Transport Minister Dipuo Peters blamed the Premier Soccer League leadership for failing to teach soccer stars about road safety.
“People who are celebrities, who are stars in sport, must be also be stars in road safety.”
@Karishma_Dipa
The Star