Amor keeps Joost at arm's length

Johannesburg – Amor Vittone is refusing to withdraw a protection order she obtained against Joost van der Westhuizen.

“Amor is not an impulsive person. She would not get an interdict against Joost for no reason. She has good reason for that protection order,” Claudio Bollo, Amor’s lawyer, said on Tuesday.

He did not want to comment on what might have led to the issuing of the protection order.

Joost is maintaining that he still loves Amor and their children. His lawyer, Robert Klinkenberg, confirmed on Tuesday that they will submit a court application to have the order dismissed.

“We should submit the application on Thursday or Friday.” In the mean time they will wait to see if Amor will withdraw the interdict.  She is refusing to.

According to a clause in the order, the content may not be shown to the media, both lawyers confirmed.

Joost and Amor separated in May. He recently served her with divorce papers, allegedly because of a third party.

Still allowed to see kids

“Just because he’s the one serving papers doesn’t mean his grounds for divorce are true or valid,” said Bollo.

“Amor could have served divorce papers three months ago (when the couple split).”

He indicated that he would be opposing Joost’s application.

According to Bollo, Amor decided to keep the details of the divorce as private as possible “to protect Joost and their children”.

The protection order doesn’t prevent Joost from seeing his children.

“The interdict doesn’t stop Joost from being a father to his children at all. That’s something Amor feels very strongly about. He’s still allowed to see them. Because they’re in school and live with her, there are naturally some time constraints,” said Bollo.

Klinkenberg also confirmed that Joost is allowed to see his children, “but to a very limited degree”.

Joost personally insisted the divorce “is private”.