Cape Town — Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies has been released from police custody after he was reportedly arrested on Sunday at OR Tambo International Airport.
New24 quoted the player’s agent, James Adams from In Touch Sports, saying he had been released by the police and was on his way home.
"He is okay, we have been in contact over WhatsApp with Elton and gathering all information and getting a debrief on what happened," Adams said, according to News24.
ALSO READ: Springbok flyhalf Elton Jantjies arrested at OR Tambo — report
In a statement posted on the agency’s website on Sunday, Adams said: “It is alleged that while on board the plane, a light was damaged. We believe that the incident has been unnecessarily heightened.
“Our client however remains compliant with the investigation process and will address this matter with the seriousness it beckons,” wrote Adams.
“We would like to allow the legal authorities to attend to this matter without any undue influence and ask that the public and the press respect the legal process without casting judgment and also request that our client’s right to privacy be maintained.”
Mr Elton Jantjies Press Release - by James Adams, CEO of In Touch Sports and Agent to Elton Jantjies. pic.twitter.com/0Bmk8xsfGR
— In Touch Sports (@InTouchSports) May 15, 2022
Earlier on Sunday, an SA Rugby spokesperson said they were aware of the arrest, and they were gathering more information and were unable to comment.
Jantjies was arrested for allegedly causing “malicious damage to property” during a flight from Dubai to Johannesburg on Sunday morning.
“The man was arrested upon arrival at ORTIA this morning at 08:50. The suspect was on an international flight from Dubai to SA when he allegedly damaged property belonging to the airline,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe.
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