Phakaaathi Reporter

SuperSport United striker Thamsanqa Gabuza (Gavin Barker/BackpagePix)

SuperSport United striker Thamsanqa Gabuza and his friends were reportedly arrested for alleged reckless and negligent driving and breaking lockdown regulations.

According to the Sowetan, the former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana striker was arrested on Friday night by traffic police officers on the N1 in Johannesburg for allegedly driving over the speed limit.

READ: Soccer player arrested for speeding in Johannesburg

His friends were reportedly arrested for breaking the Covid-19 regulations.

Quoting an unnamed source, the Sowetan reports that Gabuza and his group of friends had a party at his house in Midrand, Johannesburg, where they played loud music.

The group reportedly arrived at a Shell Garage where they found the garage closed and Gabuza started revving his car and playing loud music.

Provincial police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo confirmed that Gabuza was among the people who were arrested at the weekend.

“They were arrested by traffic officers after the car sped past them on the N1. The officers stopped the car and found that they were five inside the car. A case of reckless driving and speeding was opened by police against the football star and the rest were charged for contravening the lockdown rules,” Masondo is quoted as saying by the Sowetan.

Masondo also confirmed that Gabuza and his friends are each out on R1,500 bail and are expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on 15 July.

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Local traffic police have commented on reports that a prominent soccer player was arrested on charges of reckless driving and breaking lockdown regulations.

On Sunday, Gauteng traffic tweeted that a 32-year-old prominent player was arrested on the N1 in Johannesburg Sunday morning, after clocking a speed of 213/kmh in a 120 zone.

It has been widely reported in local media that the player in question is SuperSport United striker Thamsanqa Gabuza.

The former Orlando Pirates striker as well as his passengers, who are believed to be in the entertainment industry, were detained at the Sandton Police station where they spent the night.

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Gabuza along with his passengers were released on bail being charged with breaking lockdown regulations with reckless and negligent driving.

Chief provincial inspector Obed Sibasa who is the spokesperson for Gauteng Traffic Police confirmed to the Siya crew that an arrest was made.

“On behalf of the Gauteng Traffic Police Community Safety, one can confirm that our high speed unit arrested a prominent soccer player on the N1 in Sandton on Sunday May 24 at about 7am.

“The player was charged with negligent and reckless driving alternative for exceeding the prescribed speed limit. He was released on R1000 bail at Police station B,” Sibasa said

He would not confirm or deny if Gabuza was the player in question.

“In terms of the department’s communication protocols one cannot divulge anyone’s name before appearing in court and not at liberty to disclose the name of any suspect up until he/ she appears in court, but we can confirm a prominent soccer player was arrested by our high speed unit,” Sibasa added.

The player will appear for the first time in the Randburg Magistrate’s court in July 2020, Sibasa told the Siya crew.

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SuperSport United striker Thamsanqa Gabuza could face a salary deduction for not obeying lockdown rules after he was arrested for alleged speeding.

The former Orlando Pirates is understood to be the professional soccer player police arrested over the weekend for clocking 213km/h on the N1 highway near Sandton.

READ: SuperSport star out on bail after arrest

Gabuza will appear at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court in July to face charges of speeding and reckless driving.

SuperSport CEO Stan Matthews says the club is dealing with the matter internally.

“I can’t comment on this for now other than to say we are dealing with the matter internally and the player faces a disciplinary process post 1 June at Level 3 lockdown,” Matthews tells KickOff.com.

“We regard this alleged violation in a very serious light. All our players were guaranteed their salaries on two priority conditions; that they obey the lockdown restrictions, and that they post their daily fitness, football or social media uploads as requested.

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“The player will be given an opportunity to present his case and the merits of the case will guide the process. Please understand our position. This is a serious matter and I cannot comment further to you or anyone else. Trust you understand.”

According to Sowetan and Isolezwe, Gabuza’s former teammate Ntsikelelo Nyauza as well as actor Sphamandla Dludlu and musician Queen Lolly were part of the travelling party.

“A case of reckless driving and speeding was opened by police against the football star and the rest were charged for contravening the lockdown rules,” Sowetan quotes provincial police spokesperson Capt Mavela Masondo as saying.

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