Saffas want Bongi Mbonambi to lay defamation charge against Tom Curry

South Africans have accused Tom Curry and UK media of not only defaming Springbok Bongi Mbonambi by mistaking his play call of “wit kant” for a racial slur but stirring already sensitive race relations in South Africa.

This, after Curry accused Mbonambi of calling him a “white c**t” during the Boks semi-final clash against England last weekend.

Mbonambi is currently under investigation by World Rugby over the allegation. 

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SPRINGBOKS FANS DEFAMATION CASE, APOLOGY FROM TOM CURRY

On social media, Tom Curry’s claims that Bongi Mbonambi racially abused him has been met with hostility from angry South Africans.

This is because many Saffas understand that Mbonambi – who hails from the Free State – was likely communicating to his teammates in Afrikaans.

According to social media users, Curry misheard Mbonambi saying the words “wit kant” or “wyd kant,” which mean white side [for England] or wide side, respectively.

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But while it may all be a big misunderstanding, Bongi Mbonambi has faced untold attacks by England rugby supporters. Even UK media has portrayed him as a racist.

As a result, one Springbok supporter encouraged the player to open a defamation case against Tom Curry.

Rugby fan Lisa-Marie Else tweeted: “Bongi and the Springboks need to lay a defamation charge against Tom Curry and the England rugby team. These accusations thrown about by the British press are just ridiculous. They need to be held to account.”

Honestly, I am starting to think Bongi and the @Springboks need to lay a charge of defamation against Tom Curry and the @EnglandRugby team. These accusations thrown about by the British press are just ridiculous. They need to be held to account.

— Lisa-Marie Els 🇿🇦 🏆 (@LisaMarieEls) October 23, 2023

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She added: “Curry made a totally irresponsible statement to the referee in an attempt to target South Africa’s only hooker to England’s advantage. You cannot throw around accusations like that stuff that can actually impact a person’s life. He needs to be penalized. End of”.

Others demanded an apology from Tom Curry and UK media outlets, at the very least.

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@WorldRugby An apology must be issued to Bongi and South Africa..
we are truly hurt by the accusations of racism by the English .. this however has united South Africans of all races..

— Spice Girl (@BohemianArtChic) October 24, 2023

England and @TomCurry98 must just apologise to Bongi, he’s Afrikaans & he can’t change the language just because English people will misconstrue what he’s saying come on man

— Tambo okaDumiso (@OkadumisoTambo) October 24, 2023

We want Tom Curry sued for defamation of character unless he issues a public apology. https://t.co/o8fXbeGg0Y

— The Omnipresence🇿🇦🇿🇼 (@MabongaTapiwa) October 24, 2023

BONGI MBONAMBI CHANGES IG TO PRIVATE MODE

Amid an official investigation by World Rugby and being dragged by UK media and rugby fans, Bongi Mbonambi has decided to make his social media accounts private.

The father-of-one – who is married to wife Anastacia “Stacy” Mbonambi – has been keeping a low profile since news of Tom Curry’s complaints broke.

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Earlier this week, SA Rugby released a statement which read: “We are aware of the allegation, which we take very seriously, and are reviewing the available evidence.

“We will engage with Bongi Mbonambi if anything is found to substantiate the claim.”