This Day in History: 23 April 1999
Makhaya Ntini, star bowler of the SA cricket team, was accused of raping a 21-year old student at the Buffalo Park Cricket Ground in December 1998. He maintained his innocence, receiving the backing of the United Cricket Board, but a shock awaited him in court when he was found guilty of rape with the possibility of spending six years in prison. He was replaced by Alan Dawson in the South African World Cup cricket team. With Dr. Ali Bacher's help, however, Ntini lodged a successful appeal against his conviction in November 1999 and resumed his career in 2000.