Loftus stadium to ramp up security to keep visitors safe

Security outside Loftus Versfeld stadium east of Pretoria has been ramped up following a recent spate of robberies.

The crime seems concentrated around Park, Kirkness, Eastwood and other nearby streets on the Sunnyside side of the stadium.

In January, a number of cars parked outside the stadium were broken into and vandalised while the owners were watching a soccer match inside.

From the videos of the incident posted to social media, users noticed that most of the seven vehicles that had their bumpers and headlights removed were VWs.

Rekord previously received complaints about fake security guards allegedly involved in assaults, car robberies and burglaries in the area during major sporting and entertainment events.

Recently two 16-year-old boys were allegedly attacked and robbed during a rugby match this month.

Monica Sophia Reader, said her son Steven and his friend Donavan de Clerk were accosted by a criminal gang of eight men, allegedly wearing orange reflectors vests outside the stadium.

The gang put a knife to Steven’s throat and took turns attacking De Clerk, then left with their phones, according to Reader.

Reader said the boys were going to check on her car when they were attacked.

She said her son was threatened and the robbers kept on shouting, “give us the phone or you will die”.

“They took Steven’s phone and told him to leave, but instead he took a few steps backwards and called me using his friend’s phone.

“In the middle of our conversation, the robbers noticed he was on a call. They snatched the phone while shouting and threatening him as he tried to fight back.”

Reader said when she heard the shouting over the phone, she feared for their lives.

“I was scared that the boys would be seriously assaulted or something even worse could happen to them. I found them outside and immediately called the police who came and searched the area to see if they can’t find the robbers,” said Reader.

Another victim has came forward to report what he believed was a syndicate running a phone pickpocketing operation in the area.

Gerhard de Beer said with the help of security guards he caught a suspected pickpocket and recovered a phone which was later handed to the police.

“The suspect was arrested and held at a holding cell at Sunnyside police station.

“A lot of people commented on my wife’s Facebook post regarding the theft of their phones and other belongings that same night.”

Sunnyside police spokesperson Captain Daniel Mavimbela confirmed an investigation of a robbery.

“A case of robbery is being investigated and the police are working very hard to trace and arrest the suspects,” he said.

“The security company at Loftus have a full proper uniform. No security can rob people.”

He said another two people were arrested in the area with the help of the community.

“The stadium security services helped in recovering two cellphones.

The owners of the phones were traced and they opened cases.

After the cases were opened the suspects were arrested for possession of stolen goods,” Mavimbela said.

He urged sports fans to refrain from using cellphones in congested areas as this served to attract criminals.

Vodacom Bulls communications manager Lunga Kupiso said the Blue Bulls Company (BBCo.) was looking into ways to improve customer experience around the stadium.

Kupiso said BBCo was looking into heavily investing in safety.

“We continue to self-examine and identify a need and amplify where we lack, all in pursuit of turning our precinct into a safe hub for outdoor entertainment in the province and country.”

He said however roleplayers were key to providing such a safe-haven.

“What this entails is an echo system of partners and service providers such as the SAPS, disaster and risk management, private security and other partners who add value to our matchday operation to come together to ensure that we have an environment that is safe for the whole family.”

He said BBCo ensured safety by offering visitors access to convenient secure parking.

“We continue to encourage our patrons to make use of this service because the systems in place in these facilities are to ensure maximum security as is possible during all match- and entertainment days.”

He said victims of crime or witnesses could contact the Loftus hotline 076 524 7590 for assistance.

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