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Ex-Bok Dalton hits back after assault, racism charge

Former Springbok hooker James Dalton, who has been accused of assault and racism, believes there's no credible case against him.

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Dalton, 47, is accused of assaulting security guard Simphiwe Mntunani at the Harbour View building in Woodstock, Cape Town, last week.

Mntunani was reportedly assisted by EFF councillor Faranaaz Gaffoor, who said not only was this an assault case, but also one of racism after Dalton allegedly called Mntunani a 'f***ing black monkey'.

"No, no, no," Dalton said when Netwerk24 probed him on the matter on Tuesday. "There's not a bona fide case of anything yet. We are working on it and I will issue a statement in due course."

Mntunani earlier opened a case at the Woodstock police station.

A video of the incident, in which Dalton also appears to head-butt Mntunani (see below), has been shared on multiple occasions on social media.

According to Monday's Cape Times, police spokesperson FC van Wyk said they were investigating a common assault case, but no arrests have yet been made.

It's not the first time Dalton has found himself in hot water.

In 2017 he was arrested in Sea Point and charged with assault, reckless or negligent driving, crimen injuria and resisting arrest, while in September of last year, footage emerged of him brawling with security outside a Sea Point restaurant.

Dalton played 43 Tests for the Springboks from 1994 to 2002.

Dalton was part of the initial Springbok 1995 Rugby World Cup-winning squad, although he only played in two pool matches before he was suspended for the remainder of the tournament following the infamous brawl at the Boet Erasmus Stadium against Canada.

- Compiled by Sport24 staff
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