In August 2015 the South African Institute for Drugfree Sport (SAIDS) has reported an anti-doping rule violation against the rugby player Lukhanyo Nomzanga after his sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Methylhexaneamine (dimethylpentylamine). After notification a provisional suspension was ordered. The Athlete filed a statement in his defence and he was heard for the SAIDS Anti-Doping Hearing Panel.
The Athlete accepted the test results and he explained that he had purchased and used the product Hellfire as mentioned on the Doping Control Form. He didn’t know that it contained a prohibited substance and before he used the product he had researched the ingredients listed on the label. Prior he had not received doping education nor received any advise on supplements from the clubs he played for.
SAIDS confirmed that some of the different Hellfire supplements are safe to use and others not. Analysis in the laboratory of the Athlete’s Hellfire product in question showed that it contained the prohibited substance Methylhexaneamine. SAIDS agrees that the Athlete’s negligence was not significant and finds that the Athlete was inexperienced, had not received anti-doping education and was not in the position to have access to internet to research a product.
Considering the evidence and circumstances in this case the Panel finds that the anti-doping violation was not intentional and that the Athlete was a credible and consistent witness with a very limited perception of doping. The Panel concludes that the Athlete’s Fault and Negligence was less than significant.
Therefore the SAIDS Anti-Doping Hearing Panel decides on 18 March 2016 to impose an 8 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete starting on the date of the provisional suspension i.e. on 13 August 2015.
