Davy robbery causes uproar

2006-09-11 09:22

Pia Nanny

Cape Town - An armed robbery, which threatened the life of Chelsy Davy, Prince Harry's girlfriend, has caused an uproar in London.

A British newspaper described how Davy, a 22-year-old student at the University of Cape Town, was threatened by five robbers wielding a firearm and robbed of her personal possessions.

The owner of the Cubana Latino Cafe, Leal Kleingeld, confirmed the robbery to Die Burger, but couldn't say if Davy was in the restaurant on the night of the robbery.

Even though the incident occurred a week ago, the Mail on Sunday carried the first reports about it. It said a source told the paper that Davy, the daughter of Zimbabwean businessman Charles Davy, was panic-stricken.

Private SMSs from Harry

She was worried because her cellphone contained Harry's private numbers and SMSs from him.

Davy, who lives in Newlands, close to the restaurant, was apparently giving serious consideration to moving to London after completing her studies.

The website www.people.co.uk said she was apparently already looking for accommodation so that she could be closer to Prince Harry.

Kleingeld said many people phoned from London to find out if Davy was involved in the robbery.

He denied overseas media reports that he or the manager who was on duty that evening identified Davy as one of the customers.

The newspaper said, though, that Davy was in the restaurant. She and a girlfriend had apparently been having a drink.

After the robbery she contacted her brother to fetch her.

Kleingeld did confirm though, that two women, one a blonde, were at the restaurant and that one of them contacted her brother.

The Mail said Davy later contacted Prince Harry and he was apparently very relieved that she hadn't been injured.

Kleingeld said: "There were just a few people left in the restaurant when the five men, who sat in the restaurant, all of a sudden produced firearms and knives."

"Everyone in the restaurant was forced to go to the kitchen and lie on the floor."

The robbers demanded the keys to the safe from the manager. "However, the keys are not kept on site. They kicked him in the face and stole everyone's wallets, cellphones and keys."

"They took all the money from the cash register," he said.

"Luckily everyone remained calm and didn't panic. The two women asked the manager afterwards how he was doing."

He pointed out that two of the people were an elderly couple from Ireland, who were visiting South Africa the first time.

"They came for a quiet drink and were robbed. People are saying 'luckily they weren't seriously injured'".

"We've got such a beautiful country and this is bad publicity. If someone well-known wasn't involved, this case wouldn't have received any attention."

Kleingeld praised the police for their quick reaction and said he had instituted additional security measures.

The robbers were caught on CCTV and the tape was handed over to the police.

Police spokesperson Randall Stoffels confirmed the case and said: "Five men are being sought and a case of armed robbery is being investigated."

- Die Burger