Former Pirates and Bafana Bafana striker Thamsanqa Gabuza appeared briefly at the Alexandra Magistrates Court yesterday and his matter was postponed to 19 December for mediation. Gabuza was arrested three weeks ago after he allegedly damaged his ex-girlfriend's three cellphones and a laptop to the value of R50 000 in November.

The matter was adjourned shortly after it started because the state informed the court that they were still busy with investigations. Gabuza's defence, Themba Ngobeni, said his client won't miss a court date. "He won't miss a court date, he will be available and will cooperate during proceedings," he said. Gabuza who handed himself over to the police in Bramley is out on R3 000 bail. The state had submitted that bail should be set at R5 000, but Ngobeni argued against the amount, saying the soccer star was still waiting for his salary.

In a statement, SAPS explained that a month ago Gabuza visited his ex-girlfriend in Sandton, where she stays. "The complainant said Gabuza allegedly asked her for sex but then she refused. It is then that the soccer star became aggressive and roughly pushed her against the wall towards her bedroom," The complainant allegedly managed to free herself and ran back to the lounge. Gabuza is accused of following her, snatching her cellphones and smashing them against the wall.