Elton Jantjies: Is THIS why the Springbok star was arrested?

Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok star Elton Jantjies has been released from police custody after his arrest on Sunday.

The 31-year-old flyhalf was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport on Sunday, 15 May.

When commenting on the incident, Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Athlenda Mathe said that “a 31-year-old man has been arrested 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.”

Reports suggested that Jantjies had flown business class from Dubai to Johannesburg and was arrested upon his arrival and escorted off the plane.

Mathe offered few details, but suggested that the Jantjies’ arrest had to do with an in-flight incident.

According to News24, Jantjies’ agent James Adams from In Touch Sports, confirmed that the Springbok pivot had been released and was on his way home.

“He is okay, we have been in contact over WhatsApp with Elton and gathering all information and getting a debrief on what happened.”

Adams added that Jantjies had been on holiday with his family in Turkey before his arrest.

SA Rugby aware of the incident involving Elton Jantjies

“We’ve been informed of Elton’s arrest, but we are still in the process of gathering more information and can’t say anything at this stage,” said a SA Rugby spokesperson.

A fellow passenger confirmed Jantjies was arrested and escorted off the plane.

Meanwhile, Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) referred all queries to the police.

Jantjies has played 42 Tests for the Springboks, scoring 312 points, thanks to two tries, 64 conversions, 57 penalties and one drop goals.