Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Thandani "Bibo" Ntshumayelo can finally breathe a sigh of relief. The assault charges against him have been withdrawn by the state, bringing an end to a months-long legal ordeal.
Magistrate Lindokuhle Lubisi delivered the news during Ntshumayelo's court appearance at the Randburg Magistrates Court on Friday, 26 September. "Mr Ntshumayelo, the charges against you were withdrawn," she stated, adding a request for him to share his enrolment forms from the social worker’s office.
The charges stemmed from an alleged assault on his girlfriend, Itumeleng Alice, in February 2024. Ntshumayelo was arrested on 3 February and subsequently released on R1,000 bail. The case has dragged on for months, requiring multiple court appearances and causing significant stress for the former footballer.
Ntshumayelo expressed his relief outside the courtroom, joking with police officers and stating, "I'm happy. I'm free and won’t be coming here anymore. I’ve been coming here for a long time and am finally free."
His defence lawyer, Molefi Mtonjana, echoed his client's sentiments, acknowledging the toll the case had taken on Ntshumayelo.
"This is fine with me and so far, I have no questions. I’m happy for my client and everything about this matter," he said.
The state prosecutor also welcomed the withdrawal, stating, "Your Worship, I welcome the outcome of this matter. I have no objection to this outcome, Your Worship."
This is not Ntshumayelo's first brush with the law. He faced charges of malicious damage to property in 2021 after allegedly damaging his girlfriend's car. In 2016, he was arrested for assaulting a police officer, although those charges were later withdrawn. He also received a four-year ban from professional football in 2016 for testing positive for cocaine.
The repeated court appearances and the nature of the allegations have undoubtedly impacted Ntshumayelo's reputation and career. While the withdrawal of the charges marks a positive turn, the former Bafana Bafana star still faces the challenge of rebuilding his image and moving forward with his life.
The details surrounding the withdrawal remain somewhat unclear. Previous court proceedings had involved discussions of Ntshumayelo's enrolment in a programme with social workers, suggesting a possible diversion programme or alternative resolution. The magistrate's request for the enrolment forms further supports this possibility.
The earlier postponement on 6 September was specifically for Ntshumayelo to provide proof of this enrolment. The magistrate at that time had indicated that the final decision rested with the senior prosecutor's office.
"Next time when you come here, please bring your proof of enrolment with you. You will then have to be here for your sessions, and you’ll take it from them with one of the social workers in our offices," the magistrate had stated.
Mtonjana, during that appearance, had expressed frustration with the delays, stating, "I've been informed by my colleague that this matter cannot be resolved today. The prosecutor mentioned that the postponement was due to a lack of water in the building."
The withdrawal of the charges allows Ntshumayelo to avoid a potentially damaging trial and focus on rebuilding his life. However, the underlying issues that led to the charges in the first place remain.
It is hoped that Ntshumayelo will continue to engage with the social workers and address any personal challenges he may be facing. This case highlights the importance of support systems for individuals facing legal and personal difficulties.
The involvement of social workers and the potential for alternative resolutions demonstrate a move towards a more rehabilitative approach within the justice system.
