The Lowvelder

Former Springbok allegedly assaulted

- Linzetta Calitz

MBOMBELA - Saturday evening's rugby ended less than cheerful for a former Springbok who visited the city for the South Africa vs New Zealand game.

Grant Esterhuize­n alleges he was assaulted outside Mustangs - The Dancing Place that evening by two men belonging to a motorcycle club.

Esterhuize­n took to Facebook saying he was "looking for two not-so-gentle men who took the time on Saturday night to hit me from the side and the back".

He told Lowvelder he was standing outside smoking a cigarette when the two men approached him. The one apparently said he was going to hit Esterhuize­n, to which he said he replied, "That is not what we are here for."

He also said he is not a fighter when he gets drunk. "I get all affectiona­te when I am drunk." He claims he had never seen the men before the incident occurred.

He alleges the incident took place on Mustangs' premises, but Jaco Swart, the owner, stressed that it happened outside it. Swart also mentioned that they no longer allow motorcycle club members to wear their branding at Mustangs.

The further circumstan­ces of the event are still unclear.

Esterhuize­n said he had opened a case at the Hartbeespo­ort SAPS.

Swart said he had spoken to Esterhuize­n about the incident. He said they took extreme caution that evening to ensure that their patrons were safe, with 14 bouncers on duty.

He alleges the incident took place on Mustangs’ premises, but Jaco Swart, the owner, stressed that it happened outside it

 ?? ?? Grant Esterhuize­n earlier in the day at Mbombela Stadium for the rugby.
Grant Esterhuize­n earlier in the day at Mbombela Stadium for the rugby.
 ?? ?? The bruises visible on Grant Esterhuize­n’s face.
The bruises visible on Grant Esterhuize­n’s face.
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