Springbok fyhalf Elton Jantjies has reportedly been arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday 15 May 2022.

A Police spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe, provided sparse details of the case suggesting that the arrest had to do with an in-flight incident.

POLICE PROVIDE SPARSE DETAILS ON ELTON JANTJIES ARREST

Colonel Mathe would simply say that “a 31-year-old man has been arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) for malicious damage to property”.

“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,” she said.

SAPS

It has been reported that Jantjies was travelling business class from Dubai to Johannesburg prior to his arrest. 

According to reports, Jantjies was arrested and escorted off the plane when they landed in Johannesburg.

Jantjies’ social media feeds appear to indicate that he and his family had travelled to Dubai for the week and were headed back to South Africa.

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) referred all media queries to the South African Police Service.

SA Rugby president Mark Alexander said he was not aware of the incident when approached by members of the press for comment.

Jantjies was undergoing rehabilitation for an injury but had been spotted at recent matches in South Africa, sitting in the stands.

It is unclear if Jantjies remains in police custody at this time.

Update

SA Rugby have confirmed contact from SAPS.

“We’ve been informed of Elton’s arrest, but we are still in the process of gathering more information and can’t say anything at this stage,” said an SA Rugby spokesperson.

Main Image: Scrolla Afrika