South African rugby star accused of racism

Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – A day after the Human Rights Commission (HRC) ordered a South African man to pay a US$10,000 fine for a racist video rant, it has launched an investigation into one of the country’s top rugby players who has been accused of racially abusing a man last weekend. 

Eben Etzebeth, an enormous forward who has been selected for the national Springbok squad for the World Cup in Japan next month, has been accused of hurling racial slurs at a man following a bar brawl in the resort town of Langebaan, near Cape Town. Witnesses said he used the word "hotnot", a derogatory term referring to mixed race people.

HRC commissioner Chris Nissen said community leader Sammy Claassen, has laid the complaint with the commission. 

“Etzebeth has been informed that a thorough investigation into his alleged remarks will be conducted, and the statements he made to the police will be needed,” Nissen said.

Police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk confirmed a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm has been opened.

Etzebeth has denied any wrong doing.

As previously reported by PANA, Adam Catzavelos, who sparked a national outcry when he filmed himself making racial comments in Europe, on Thursday reached a settlement agreement with the HRC.

The commission took Catzavelos to the Equality Court in Randburg. As part of the agreement, he has to issue a formal public apology.

The Johannesburg resident made headlines when he filmed himself saying how happy he was that there were no black people on the beach at a holiday resort in Greece. He sent the WhatsApp clip to a few friends who reposted it and, within hours, it went viral around the world.

The outrage over the incident led to his family's business losing major clients and he was immediately fired.

–0– PANA CU/MA 30Aug2019