Share

AFCON official on sex charge

Durban - A match official who was due to be involved in Bafana Bafana's AFCON qualifier against Sudan has appeared in a Durban court on charges of sexual assault on Wednesday.

The City Press website reports that the Algerian national attempted to rape a cleaner in the Durban hotel he was staying at on the morning of Bafana's 2-1 win over Sudan at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The 33-year-old official did not plea and has had his bail extended until he is scheduled to appear in court again on Monday.

He is one of four Algerians who were issued by the country's national football association to officiate the match.

It is alleged that he asked to pay one of the female cleaners for sex, but had his request turned down after which it is further alleged that he then tried to rape her.

However, another female cleaner at the Suncoast Towers hotel was alerted to the alleged victim's call for help and intervened, contacting the hotel's security services and having him detained, resulting in the man not being able to fulfill his refereeing commitments later that day.

He was eventually replaced by Lalelani Mngadi, who acted as the fourth official of the match after SAFA made the necessary arrangements.

The official has since returned to the Algerian Embassy in Pretoria.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE