Theft sours Bok rugby euphoria for many
Some fans were disappointed when they left Mbombela Stadium without their belongings.
The recent rugby match at Mbombela Stadium was, by most accounts, a triumph of planning and spirit.
Fans donned the green and gold with pride, the logistics ran smoothly, and the atmosphere pulsed with unity and excitement.
But while thousands celebrated the spectacle of sport, a wave of criminal opportunism marred the day for many.
For more than 120 fans, joy turned to shock as their cellphones and other belongings were stolen.
Similar incidents were reported at Loftus Versveld Stadium in Pretoria, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth and DHL Stadium in Cape Town, pointing to the possibility of a big syndicate operating at these events.
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Some phones were tracked to a shop in Germiston as early as 03:00 the next morning, showing their swift movement.
Mbombela Stadium manager, Roelf Kotze, acknowledged the limitations of surveillance due to the large crowd, noting that several incidents occurred outside the stadium, where cameras couldn’t capture every moment.
“Some thieves looked like normal fans,” Kotze said. “They enter the stadium with the intention to steal.” He described a typical theft tactic: moving close to victims, creating a distraction, and seizing phones without notice. Kotze confirmed that they had engaged with the SAPS prior to the game, demonstrating awareness of the risk, but he also suggested cellphone companies be consulted to strengthen phone security measures for large-scale events.
His remarks reflect the complexity of stadium safety, and that surveillance must extend beyond fixed camera points to behavioural awareness and crowd control.
Xilota Security Services’ operations manager, Saint Skhosana, said there are many pickpockets in the Lowveld.
Pickpocketing is on the rise. However, some people lost their phones due to their own negligence, such as forgetting them in restrooms or making them visible to criminals.”
Skhosana said Xilota had deployed more guards at the stadium ablution facilities in an attempt to reduce the pickpocketing. “We have a planned debriefing with police generals on July 30 to reflect on what transpired and to forge a way forward,” said Skhosana.
The Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane, said three suspects were arrested in connection with the theft. She said two of suspects were caught when their vehicle was searched. “Our members found seven suspected stolen cellphones in the engine compartment. The phones were wrapped in a tin foil, which we believe was meant to interrupt their signals to make it difficult to track them down,” said Ndubane.
She said shortly after the discovery, two people claimed their phones back, but did not want to lay charges because they were in a hurry to go home.
Ndubane warned people attending big events to always be vigilant. “They will distract the victim, then steal their cellphones,” he said.
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She advised people to use secure bags, preferably a front-worn waist bag, under their jackets or shirts and to avoid handbags with open tops or zippers. “Consolidate belongings, pack everyone’s items into one tamper-proof backpack and making one person responsible for it,” Ndubane said.
Prince Siwela (39) and Njabulo Mthethwa (30) were charged with theft, while Oefentse Mgopi (26) was charged with common robbery. They appeared in the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court earlier this week, but the outcomes were not available at the time of going to press.
“People must preregister their devices and enable offline tracking apps as well as storing the phone’s IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) numbers somewhere safe,” Douglas Proud Siwela, the managing director of Vhutela Africa Security Services in Hazyview, said.
He further advised victims to immediately report the theft to the police.
“Watch for distractions – bumping, apologies, or over friendly chats from strangers, these can be misdirection tactics. Don’t assume crowd safety. Thieves operate better in tightly packed or distracted groups,” said Siwela.
