World Cup trophy safe after burglary at SA Rugby offices

by Bongiwe Mati

Many South Africans are concerned about the easy access that criminals have to the Rugby World Cup trophy, this comes following a recent burglary at the South African Rugby Union offices (SARU) in Plattekloof.

According to sources, the incident occurred at approximately 22h00 on Monday evening. This is exactly 16 days after we beat New Zealand in France, in a final score of 12-11, and 10 days after the trophy was paraded in four provinces.

Meanwhile, sports publication – Rugby 365 – revealed that there are two official Webb Ellis Cups that are used interchangeably. The first trophy, a Victorian design of a 1740 cup by Paul de Lamerie was created in 1906 by Carrington and Co. of London, the replica was made in 1986, a year before the first Rugby World Cup commenced.

A voice recording from Western Cape police shared by news broadcaster eNCA shares that two there were two incidents of robbery which happened in the same area where 5 bottles of whiskies, 5 signed Springbok jerseys and 8 laptops were taken, at the other office, a total of 60 laptops were taken.

Social media account @SinBinRugby shared a video of the robbers entering the side where one of the four replicas was, as stated that the main trophy is kept protected and locked on a top shelf. The user found humour in the video adding that the robbers did not take the cup as they did not know how to lift it.

Crime watcher and social activist @yusufabramjee shared one video of the office corridors where the robbers could be seen in a distance looming around, going up and down.  

He captioned his post:

“Burglary at SARU offices in Cape Town. Computers, Bok jerseys and other items stolen. If you can identify any of the suspects, call 08600 10111. ”

Also see: Netizens prefer R20K over dinner with Cassper Nyovest