Thulani Cele released from prison in America

South African soccer player Thulani Cele has been released from jail after serving 18 months for reportedly stealing a cellphone in Georgia, United States (US), in June last year.

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THULANI CELE IS A FREE MAN

According to IsiZulu newspaper Isolezwe, Cele’s aunt Nonhlanhla Shongwe confirmed his release.

“He has been released from jail. He has served his sentence. We are happy about his released as a family. We’ve been waiting for this day for a long time,” Shongwe said.

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Although released, Cele will not be returning to Mzansi as he is still going to try his luck in getting a club to sign him in January when the transfer window opens.

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WHY WAS HE ARRESTED?

The 23-year-old footballer made a name for himself in the 2019 Nedbank Cup Ke Yona Team and was quickly signed by Durban-based club, AmaZulu.

After parting ways with Usuthu, Cele scored a trial with Georgia’s first division side FC Gagra through Collen Mashawa – an agent he met while in the Ke Yona squad. However, when he arrived in the US, he discovered that the trial was a scam.

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Cele was reportedly left destitute after his hotel bill was not paid, leading to an argument with the hotel manager. His famil later reported him missing.

Speaking to SA FM earlier this year, Shongwe said Cele maintained he was innocent. He allegedly had used someone’s cellphone to make a call back home when the alleged robbery incident took place.

“There was no force or robbery as they claimed. He returned the phone, even the owner of the phone confirmed this.

“Also there was a language barrier during the case which could have affected the matters,” she said.

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