Springbok World Cup-winning flyhalf Elton Jantjies was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Sunday.

The veteran playmaker, who was travelling from Turkey when he was arrested and escorted off the plane on landing at OR Tambo, has been released. His agent, James Adams, confirmed as much in an official statement:

“On the morning of of 15 May 2022, Mr. Elton Jantjies arrived back in SA, having spent one week in Turkey with his family. His family are still in Turkey.

“It’s alleged that while on board the plane, a light was damaged. We believe that the incident has been unnecessarily heightened. Our client, however, remains compliant with the investigation process and will address this matter with the seriousness it beckons.

“We would like to allow the legal authorities to attend to this without any undue influence and ask that the public and the press respect the legal process without casting judgement and also request that our client’s right to privacy be respected.

“In closing, I can confirm that Mr. Jantjies has been released and is not in police custody. No further comments will be issued at this stage.”

Police spokesperson, Colonel Athlenda Mathe, told News24: “A 31-year-old man has been arrested at the OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA) for malicious damage to property.

“The man was arrested upon arrival at ORTIA this morning at 08:50. The suspect was on an international flight from Dubai to SA when he allegedly damaged property belonging to the airline.”

Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images