By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Nkanyiso Zungu of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium on November 21, 2020 in Johannesburg.
Orlando Pirates have confirmed that midfielder Nkanyiso Zungu has been charged by police on Sunday evening.
Pirates did not reveal the nature of or further details about the charge involving Zungu but our source said that he was arrested for assaulting his partner.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that midfielder Nkanyiso Zungu has been charged at the Moffatview Police Station this [Sunday] evening,” the club confirmed.
“The club suspends Mr Zungu pending an investigation.
“As this matter is currently in the hands of the authorities, the club is unable to make further comment until this process is complete.”
Zungu has been a peripheral figure at the Soweto club as he has only made one start, against Marumo Gallants this season during a PSL encounter.
In September 2021, Zungu’s teammate, Ben Motshwari, was arrested and later released by the Randfontein police. Motshwari handed himself over to the police after a case of common assault was opened against him.
In September 2020, Thembinkosi Lorch was arrested too after his girlfriend, Nokuphiwa Mathithibala, reported him to the police over allegations of assault.
Zungu’s suspension came just after Pirates secured a CAF Confederation double over Royal Leopards of Eswatini at Orlando Stadium.
Zungu, 26, who signed for Pirates from Stellenbosch FC in January 2020, has played one league game for Bucs in the 2021-22 season. He played 11 league games in 2020-21.