Andile Jali in action for Bafana Bafana. Photo: BackpagePix
Andile Jali in action for Bafana Bafana. Photo: BackpagePix
The rumour mill has been working overtime this Sunday. An unnamed Bafana Bafana player has been arrested for drink-driving in Tshwane and it’s caused something of a frenzy on social media. Here’s a hint: It’s not Andile Jali.
The midfielder, who plays for Belgian side KV Oostende, has unfortunately become a victim of jigsaw identification. ENCA reported what local authorities had to say.
Who is the Bafana Bafana player arrested for drink-driving?
Senior spokesperson – Superintendent Isaac Mahamba – revealed a 28-year-old Bafana Bafana and ex-Orlando Pirates player is one of 15 people detained by the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) for driving under the influence.
Unfortunately for Jali, he is 28. He is a regular for Bafana Bafana. He also used to play for Pirates. However, the soccer star took to social media so he could try and douse the wildfire whispers about his personal life:
It’s not me please guys
— aj15jali (@andilejali870) May 13, 2018
Rumour has it
All 15 arrested are yet to be charged, so naming the player involved could be a very tricky legal minefield. Even if you do it on social media. The thing about rumours is that they are very rarely true and do more damage than good.
We may not know the true identity of the drunk-driver yet, but we do know the full might of the law is coming to rain down upon them. Mahamba made it clear to everyone that driving whilst intoxicated will not be tolerated in the region:
“Fifteen people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Among the 15 people arrested, one is a 28-year-old former Orlando Pirates player currently playing for the national soccer team [Bafana Bafana].”
“Any person found driving while intoxicated will be arrested. TMPD will continue to intensify these drunk driving operations; endangering innocent lives on our roads will not be tolerated.”
Mahamba finished his statement by revealing that court action would be forthcoming for all of those arrested this weekend.
