LISTEN: SA man goes viral after being ‘stuck’ in Dubai...but was he?

Anele and The Club chat more about this story on 947 Breakfast. 

Getting arrested can be a traumatic experience but getting arrested in a foreign country just takes it to a different level.

A South African man named Emmerich Basson is going viral after he shared a video on social media appealing for help to get out of Dubai.   

In the video, he said he was arrested after crossing the street in front of a car in the wrong place (jaywalking) in May 2023.

While jaywalking is considered a serious offence in Dubai, it is only subject to a fine of AED 400 to 500 (R2,000 to R2,400), per Dubai Fines.

Basson alleges the UAE government took away his travel documents and he is running out of money. 

However, it appears Basson may not be telling the full story.

“In situations like this, doesn’t the city or country just want to extradite you? Now he has been in this situation for about a year… what is the story?

- Anele Mdoda

It was revealed that Basson is the ex-husband of Irish air hostess Tori Towey.

She made headlines recently after being detained in Dubai, where the couple lived and worked together.

She faced several charges, including attempted suicide after she was allegedly a victim of domestic violence, which she documented, per the BBC.  

Her passport was destroyed, forcing the Irish government to intervene and lift her travel ban. 

Irish embassy staff escorted Towey to the airport and she is now back in Ireland. 

A trusted source told Anele and The Club that Basson is actually back in South Africa. 

“He landed last week Friday, on Women’s Day. Apparently, his flight left the UAE at 9.55 in the morning.” 

- Thato Moloto, Anele and The Club producer

There is still no clear indication why Basson had a travel ban against him.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion