eNCA | Long wait in store for Jali after drunk-driving arrest
PRETORIA – Former Orlando Pirates ace and Bafana Bafana midfielder Andile Jali could wait a full year before appearing in court to answer to charges of drunk driving after he was arrested by the Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) at the weekend.
Jali, 28, was released on Sunday, after spending the night behind bars at the Brooklyn police station.
TMPD spokesperson Senior Superintendent Isaac Mahamba declined to name the suspect, instead referring to him only as “a 28-year-old former Orlando Pirates player currently playing for the national soccer team”.
“He was released on R1,000 bail and the court date is for 15 May 2019,” said Mahamba.
Former Orlando Pirates and KV Oostende player Andile Jali has denied reports that he has been arrested on drunk driving charges in Pretoria over the weekend. #UJFM #Headlines #UJFMNews #TheEgoTrip cc @Jahhiness @OG_KamoGEE @MashelMokale pic.twitter.com/iYWpucQpXT
— UJFM 95.4 (@ujfm) May 14, 2018
He explained the reason for the long wait before the soccer player’s court appearance.
Updates: Bafana Bafana player, Andile Jali arrested for drunk driving pic.twitter.com/f1iZ1Gqe2k
— Katlego Maseng (@KatlegoMaseng1) May 14, 2018
“When we arrest you, firstly we breathalyse you, which gives us a reading. The reading tells us there is a possibility of alcohol in your system. Then we go and draw blood. After drawing that blood, we take it to the laboratory for evidence in court. The results may take up to a year.
“There is a possibility that the results may come earlier than that. If the results are out early, we might subpoena him so that he can appear in court and we will present that evidence in court. We need those results for us to go ahead with the court case.”
The Belgium-based Jali was pulled over in his personalised “Jali 15 GP” white Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT in Hatfield, east of the Pretoria CBD. He was with a male friend.
On Sunday, Mahamba announced that the national soccer team player was one of 15 people detained in an extensive operation against drunk driving.
Mahamba said drunk driving was one of the major causes of fatal accidents on the capital city’s roads.
“There is no report that confirms that Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates footballer was arrested…” – Mike Makaab
Is he trying to tell us something about Jali’s new home? @SimthoDladla pic.twitter.com/N1kzTMACcO
— u’MAKOYA (@spursymakoya) May 15, 2018
“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,” said Mahamba.
“Motorists are encouraged rather to find alternative means of transport than to drink and drive. Well done to the officers for the outstanding arrests. No one is above the law.”
Andile Jali gets arrested for drinking & driving. Then rumours are that the former Orlando Pirates midfielder and captain has signed for Bidvest Wits
— KM —- (@RothmannDJ) May 14, 2018
African News Agency