The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance cannabis.
After notification a provisional suspension was ordered and the Athlete was heard for the Disciplinary Committee.
The Athlete pleaded guilty to the charge. He had smoked Dagga (Cannabis) approximately three weeks before he participated the event. He won the event and he had not used cannabis to enhance his performance.
The Athlete stated that his federation, the South African Powerlifting Federation (SAPF), has disseminated no information and neither were they conducting any education in regard to use of drugs and prohibited substances by athletes.
The Committee notes that SAIDS had prosecuted six another matters of a similar nature involving athletes from the SAPF. The Federation was also not present at these hearings despite being invited to attend. The Committee finds that their conduct should be reported to the Minister of Sport and Recreation as well as to South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee for investigation (SASCOC).
The SAIDS Disciplinary Committee decides to impose a 4 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the provisional suspension, i.e. 5 August 2011 to 4 December 2011.
