Alf Moselakgomo

Alf Moselakgomo

Johannes Maila's euphoria over Mamelodi Sundowns' victory was short-lived when he was allegedly sjambokked by his neighbour for making too much noise with his vuvuzela.

Maila, 23, of Marapyane, was on cloud nine on Wednesday night after his favourite team beat Silver Stars to go through to the finals of the Absa Cup.

After the game at 11pm the excited Maila went into the street and started blowing his vuvuzela. But his agitated neighbour, Jimmy Nkoana, 50, came out with his sjambok and allegedly started whipping the racket out of him.

Maila said he had every right to make merry the way he did and to be beaten up for simply celebrating violated his rights.

He said: "Everyone in this country has the right to express their feelings and to be silenced the way I was is unacceptable."

He has laid a charge of assault against Nkoana.

When contacted by Sowetan, Nkoana admitted beating Maila. He said it wasn't the first time Maila had made so much noise so late at night.

"I wake up at 4am to catch the bus to work and the noise from that vuvuzela made it impossible for me to sleep," Nkoana said.

"I have warned Maila before, but every time his club plays at night we hold our breath dreading the noise he'll make with his vuvuzela," said Nkoana.

Inspector Veli Semenya of the Mmametlhake police confirmed a charge of assault had been laid and that Nkoana would appear in court.

Alex Shakoane, Sundowns public relations officer, condemned the incident and said the law must take its course.

"No one should be allowed to assault another person whatever the reason. I'm glad the police are investigating," said Shakoane.