Divorce row allegedly got violent

KAIZER Chiefs number two goalkeeper Arthur Bartman briefly appeared in court yesterday for allegedly assaulting his estranged wife.

Bartman, 36, who made a number of heroic saves during his team's 1-0 victory against Platinum Stars at the weekend, appeared in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on charges of beating Arriette, also 36, at their marital home in Buccleuch, north of Johannesburg, in June.

The soccer star allegedly insulted and slapped his wife, then kicked her in the ribs and hips during an argument while he was removing his clothes from the house.

During the fight, Bartman is also said to have kicked the family puppy in the mouth when it began biting him, causing the dog to bleed.

The couple, who have a child, are in the process of getting divorced.

The player was not asked to plead to charges of assault and domestic violence, opting to exercise his right to silence before Magistrate Silas Boloka yesterday. Boloka postponed the case to February next year following a request by prosecutor Arnold Limekhaya to allow Bartman time to consult with his new attorney.

Bartman recently appointed a new firm of attorneys to represent him, and his bail of R1000 was extended.

* Meanwhile, a man who was part of a gang which allegedly assaulted and robbed former Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates striker Marc Batchelor at his home in Fourways in June is expected to appear in court this week.

Clement Mpofu is due back in court where he faces a charge of possession of stolen property.

The gang allegedly severely assaulted Batchelor and bound his hands and feet as they ransacked his home.