PSL club Marumo Gallants have issued an update following an urgent meeting with different stakeholders regarding their two employees who remain in Libya.
Rufus Matsena and Amos Dhlomo have been kept by Libyan businessman Dr Ali Elzargha for the past 17 days. The detained duo will spend the Good Friday holiday in war-ridden Libya away from their families.
As first reported by FARPost, this is after Marumo owner Abram Sello failed to pay back the monies owed to Dr Elzargha.
ABRAM SELLO QUESTIONS ‘INFLATED PRICES’
Sello has reportedly questioned the amount which is R 670 000 accusing Dr Elzargha of inflating the prices.
The Dr organised flight tickets, hotel accommodation as well as the kit used for their CAF Confederation Cup match against Al Akhdar on 19 March.
After failing to resolve the issue, the club formally approached the Department of International Relations and Corporation who have now taken the matter into their own hands.
A meeting was subsequently convened on Thursday involving Gallants, SAFA, the Libyan embassy in South Africa, South Africa’s ambassador to Tunisia, Dr Elzargha as well as Matsena and Dhlomo.
MARUMO GALLANTS OFFICIAL UPDATE ON INTERVENTION MEETING
The club has since issued a statement on Friday morning.
“My people belong at home here in South Africa with their families, especially over the Easter period,” said Sello.
“Both men are extremely emotional and exhausted and need to return to their homes and loved ones.
“I am trying my utmost to get them back to South African soil. This is an active case and a very sensitive one. My priority is to get my employees back safely,” he said.
“We are not ignoring the media – we have to take into account the various factors that influence this matter and act accordingly.”
The club has also announced the plans to have a media briefing once the two staff members are back in the country.
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