Confed Cup crime 'not too high’

2009-06-22 22:13

Johannesburg - Levels of crime reported since the beginning of the Confederations Cup are no different to previous Confederations Cups hosted by other countries, local organising committee head Danny Jordaan said on Monday.

"I have been to all Confederation and World cups since 1994 and the levels of incidents in this cup are no different to other countries," he said.

He was addressing journalists along with deputy police minister Fikile Mbalula in Sandton.

Sensationalising

"The question of theft happens everywhere... it has happened in Germany where fans were robbed."
He said it was unfair for international media to sensationalise reported crimes.

"We mustn't sensationalise because it's very, very wrong. You must base your report on facts. Charge us on our track record, not on what you think might have happened."

He said this after being questioned on the levels of security during the Confederations Cup, following the theft of money from the Egyptian soccer team's hotel rooms on Thursday night.

Mbalula said police were monitoring security in and around stadiums and that crimes such as Thursday's hotel robbery were isolated cases.

"I want to salute men and women in blue, they have outdone themselves in ensuring that everyone enjoys the Confederations Cup in a very peaceful manner."

‘Security-unfriendly’ guests

He said there hadn't been any major breaches of security and they were investigating the incident involving Egyptian players.

"It being an unfortunate incident, we are investigating. If you bring people into the hotel as friends you must bear responsibility to them. So if you invite people who turn out to be security-unfriendly then it is unfortunate because we can't follow you up until your room."

Newspapers reported that the Egyptian players may have been robbed by guests attending a post-match celebration in their suites.
 

- SAPA