Pirates defender in alleged shootout – report

Quoting an unnamed policeman, the Sunday World reported Matlaba was travelling in his BMW after dropping off an unknown passenger when a group of men travelling in an Uber taxi accused him of reckless driving.

An argument allegedly ensued between the former Bafana star and the men when the footie also accused them of negligent driving.

“Upon realising that the driver was Festival, they then hurled insults at him and even accused him of contributing to Pirates’ poor performance,” the Sunday World quoted the unknown officer as saying.

Another officer said Matlaba arrived at the Rabie Ridge police station with another man and opened a case of attempted murder against the men.

But he asked for the case to be withdrawn after the men arrived at the station to open a counter-case of attempted murder against him.

“When the investigating officer asked Matlaba if he owned a gun, he responded negatively,” the officer said.

Police spokesperson Mofa Masela confirmed Matlaba opened a case of attempted murder, but further investigations would not be carried out, and the case was set to be withdrawn.

“We couldn’t find spent cartridges at the scene, and both parties couldn’t identify the suspects,” said Masela.

The alleged incident occurred at Phomolong Section in Tembisa at about 4am last Sunday morning.