Related case:
SAIDS 2023-09 Tebogo Tsotetsi vs SAIDS - Appeal
December 12, 2023
In May 2023 the South African Institute for Drugfree Sport (SAIDS) reported an anti-doping rule violation against the Athlete Tebogo Tsotetsi after her sample tested positive for the prohibited substance Salbutamol.
Following notification a provisional suspension was accepted, yet thereupon she continued to participate into a Marathon. The Athlete filed a statement in her defence and was heard for the Anti-Doping Tribuanl Hearing Panel.
The Athlete admitted the violation and denied the intentional use of the substance. She explained that at the material time she had used a cough syrup for her illness while she was unaware that this product contained Salbutamol.
The Athlete acknowleged that she had been negligently with her self-medication and had not mentioned all her medication on the Doping Control Form. She asserted that she is only a recreational Athlete and had never received anti-doping education.
SAIDS accepted that the Athlete's violation was not intentional and that she had acted negligently with grounds for a reduced sanction.
In view of the evidence the Panel agrees that the Athlete's violation was not intentional. Further the Panel determines that, as a recreational Athlete, she had acted with a degree of No Significant Fault or Negligence.
Therefore the Panel decides on 15 August 2023 to impose a 20 month period of ineligibility on the Athlete, starting on the date of the decision.
