The Times
June 10, 2010
Fears for World Cup security after three journalist are robbed
David Brown in Magaliesburg
Concerns about the security of England fans in South Africa increased yesterday after three foreign journalists were robbed in their hotel at gunpoint.
Security arrangements at the four-star hotel, which is 40 miles from the England base, had been approved for foreign fans and corporate guests by Fifa, the organisers of the World Cup. The raid happened hours before a British police team arrived in Johannesburg to help to advise local officers.
Antonio Simoes, a Portuguese photographer, was woken at about 5am by two men in his room at the Nutbush Boma Lodge in Magaliesburg.
Mr Simoes said: “One of them had a pistol and pointed it at my head and told me to shut up while the other one rummaged through our things. In the end, when they covered me and put a gun to my chest a second time, I thought, ‘I’m dead’. When they left, they told me to remain silent . . . I stayed an hour and a half inside the room waiting for daylight, to get out.”
Related Links
British police aim to keep supporters out of trouble
Eyewitness : Fabio Capello loses his cool
Mr Simoes, Miguel Serrano and Rui Gustavo Morais were among 14 journalists in the hotel. Mr Simoes said: “It is surreal putting us here, in a farm with no room phones or security.”
Although Mr Simoes saw only two robbers, detectives believe more must have been involved to carry the large quantity of camera equipment, computers and clothing that were stolen.
Nick Mauerberger, co-owner of the lodge, said that it was the first robbery in 15 years. “I am afraid there will be many others,” he said.
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Holt said England fans no longer deserved their reputation for hooliganism. The Association of Chief Police Officers’ leader on the policing of football, said: “Just because England fans are boisterous and noisy isn’t necessarily a precursor to disorder.”
Six British police officers in uniform will be present when England take on the United States on Saturday. They have no powers in South Africa but police said that their presence could help to prevent any bad behaviour.
June 10, 2010
Fears for World Cup security after three journalist are robbed
David Brown in Magaliesburg
Concerns about the security of England fans in South Africa increased yesterday after three foreign journalists were robbed in their hotel at gunpoint.
Security arrangements at the four-star hotel, which is 40 miles from the England base, had been approved for foreign fans and corporate guests by Fifa, the organisers of the World Cup. The raid happened hours before a British police team arrived in Johannesburg to help to advise local officers.
Antonio Simoes, a Portuguese photographer, was woken at about 5am by two men in his room at the Nutbush Boma Lodge in Magaliesburg.
Mr Simoes said: “One of them had a pistol and pointed it at my head and told me to shut up while the other one rummaged through our things. In the end, when they covered me and put a gun to my chest a second time, I thought, ‘I’m dead’. When they left, they told me to remain silent . . . I stayed an hour and a half inside the room waiting for daylight, to get out.”
Related Links
British police aim to keep supporters out of trouble
Eyewitness : Fabio Capello loses his cool
Mr Simoes, Miguel Serrano and Rui Gustavo Morais were among 14 journalists in the hotel. Mr Simoes said: “It is surreal putting us here, in a farm with no room phones or security.”
Although Mr Simoes saw only two robbers, detectives believe more must have been involved to carry the large quantity of camera equipment, computers and clothing that were stolen.
Nick Mauerberger, co-owner of the lodge, said that it was the first robbery in 15 years. “I am afraid there will be many others,” he said.
Assistant Chief Constable Andy Holt said England fans no longer deserved their reputation for hooliganism. The Association of Chief Police Officers’ leader on the policing of football, said: “Just because England fans are boisterous and noisy isn’t necessarily a precursor to disorder.”
Six British police officers in uniform will be present when England take on the United States on Saturday. They have no powers in South Africa but police said that their presence could help to prevent any bad behaviour.
No comments:
Post a Comment