Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana and Sundowns midfielder Surprise Moriri had a narrow escape when a negligent driving case against him was struck off the roll on Monday, reports the Sowetan.

Moriri, 30, sat outside Court 3 at the Randburg magistrate's court flanked by his lawyers, only to be told that he was a free man.

He did not even get to stand in the dock.

A source told Sowetan that the matter was struck off because police who arrested him on Sunday night had failed to include required documents in the docket.

Sundowns spokesperson Alex Shakoane confirmed that Moriri had been arrested and went to court and that "the matter was struck off the roll for reasons known to the investigators".

"We do not condone at all this kind of behaviour. Players need to know that they are role models and need to respect traffic laws, " Shakoane said.

"However, I know Surprise as a respectable boy. If he did this, something might have happened to push him.

"I'm happy that this is all over and he can now focus on his soccer career."

Moriri won the PSL Player of the Season in 2005 and is one of the longest serving players and top goal scorers for Sundowns. Contacted for comment, Moriri said: "Are you aware you are speaking to Surprise," before dropping the phone.