RAYON Sports interim head coach Ivan Minneart is in police custody in South Africa, Times Sport has learned. 

The Belgian-born traveled to South Africa on Monday where he was due to attend a hearing by Premier Soccer League (PSL) Dispute Resolution Chamber on Tuesday in Johannesburg where he reported his former employers, Black Leopards FC, for fraudulently firing him.

Instead, he was arrested and taken under custody in Polokwane over a theft case filed by Black Leopards FC, also known in South Africa as Lidoda Duvha, according to sources.

Reports say that he’s set to appear in court later this week.

Speaking to The New Times on Wednesday, Rayon Sports President Paul Muvunyi told Times Sport that "the club is not aware of the arrest yet” but confirmed Minneart hd traveled to South Africa for personal errands.

Minnaert was in charge of the South African club for only five games over a period of one month before abruptly receiving a termination letter on December 4 from the club management.

According to reports from South Africa, Minneart was at the time in possession of the club’s car which the Belgian was unable to hand over within the deadline indicated by the club. 

Subsequently, a club official went to his house to collect the car, an incident which left Minnaert bruised as a result of the club official speeding off.

After the incident, the coach was taken to a local hospital and later filed a case with the Police for assault.

Details about the alleged theft were not readily available.

His arrest comes five days before Rayon Sports face Club Deportivo do Sol of Mozambique in the return leg of their CAF Confederation Cup play-off fixture, on April 17 in Maputo.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw