News

Charges against Benjamin dropped

October 02 2008

All changes against Lions wing Rayno Benjamin relating to the possession of a schedule 5 illegal substance were withdrawn at the Randburg Court in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Benjamin had always denied any wrongdoing after being arrested along with Lions fly-half Earl Rose and two others, on 31 January in Fontainebleau, Randburg, whilst allegedly in possession of unnamed illicit substances.

Charges against Rose were subsequently dropped while Benjamin's court case was postponed.

Benjamin has not been included in the Lions squad for Saturday's crucial Currie Cup clash with Western Province at Newlands.

Written representations were submitted to the Senior Prosecutor of Randburg as well as the Director of Public Prosecutions, and such representations were favourably considered effectively clearing Benjamin's name.

The State was of the opinion that Benjamin's version of events would possibly have held up as true in court and that it would have led to an acquittal on the charge.

Throughout this unfortunate ordeal, the Golden Lions Rugby Union has supported Rayno, believed in his innocence, integrity and honesty and is pleased with the outcome of the case.