Moroka Swallows midfielder Bennett Chenene appeared on an assault charge in the Vereeniging Magistrate's Court, police said on Thursday.

Warrant Officer Aubrey Moopeloa said Chenene (27) and his father (57) appeared in court on Wednesday, and were released on R1000 bail each.

The two allegedly assaulted three car washers in Sharpeville on New Year's Day after accusing them of stealing a bracelet from the soccer player's car.

He had left his BMW at their car wash and when he returned to collect it found the bracelet missing.

A fight broke out and he called his father, who arrived with a knife and allegedly stabbed one of them. The two were arrested on Wednesday.

Chenene opened a case of theft against the car washers. They too were arrested and appeared in the Vereeniging Magistrate's Court.

The winger played for Amazulu, Orlando Pirates and Bloemfontein Celtic before joining Moroka Swallows.