Mhlongo says he's sorry for arrest

Mhlongo, who was ultimately acquitted on the charge, says, "Now that this matter has been rested, I am able to focus on recovering from the injury I suffered a few months back. Everything has been going well so far and I hope to be on the field again sometime soon."   Mhlongo along with five others was arrested after police found a gun and ammunition in the car they were travelling in.   The charges, however, were withdrawn against Mhlongo after one of the co-accused admitted the gun was given to him as security for an unpaid debt.   In a statement carried on Bucs' official website, the player states, "After being acquitted from charges, I felt compelled as a player and member of the Orlando Pirates Football Club family to use this platform and thank the supporters for their warmth shown to me during those difficult times I went through.   "I have always held a very special affection and respect for every member of the team, the supporters and to all those who look up to me as a role model. I have through all my years as a professional footballer strived to ensure that respect, professionalism, loyalty and hard-work are permanent features of my daily life.   "I must say that the situation I found myself in was not one of the most comfortable one, however, I am glad that those experiences served to me as a life-long-lesson which I will keep to heart as I move along with my football career.   "I have a principled commitment towards ensuring that those who look up to me are not led astray by my actions and it has always been my responsibility to ensure that I am not caught in a situation where the age-old values and principles I have are compromised.   "I want to ensure the team's supporters that I will try to be a bit more selective in terms of who I hang out with so that this occurrence does not repeat itself," he says.