Alf Moselakgomo

It took R5000 to get a Mamelodi Sundowns fan, who was assaulted for making noise with his vuvuzela, to withdraw charges against his assailant.

Johannes Maila, of Marapyane in Mpumalanga, was sjambokked by his 50-year-old neighbour last week when he blew his vuvuzela to celebrate Sundowns' 5-4 victory over Silver Stars.

At the final whistle at about 11pm, Maila's excitement at seeing his team winning was short lived when his neighbour, Jimmy Nkoana, beat him up for making noise.

At the time, Nkoana said he was going to work the next day and complained that the noise of the vuvuzela was making it hard for him to sleep.

Nkoana, who seriously assaulted Maila, was arrested and charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

But this week, when Nkoana was to appear in the Marapyane periodical court, he said the matter had been settled out of court.

"What happened was in the heat of the moment, and as far as I am concerned it is a closed chapter," he said.

Maila confirmed that he had dropped the charges and that Nkoana had paid him R5000 for damages and medical costs."