The moment a South African burglar touched the Rugby World Cup – and chose not to steal it
CCTV footage showed one of the criminals touch the Webb Ellis Cup, which South Africa won in France last month, and smile before walking away
World Cup trophy safe after South Africa rugby offices burgled in Cape Town, South Africa
This is the moment a burglar got their hands on the Rugby World Cup and decided not to steal it.
Burglars broke into South Africa Rugby Union’s offices on Monday, but the Webb Ellis Cup the nation won in France last month was left behind. CCTV footage showed one of the criminals touch the trophy and smile, before letting go and walking away to continue rummaging through cupboards and cabinets.
The incident took place at Tygerberg Office Park in Plattekloof, the hilltop office complex in Cape Town’s northern suburbs, where the union is among the tenants. There were no details of what was stolen from South Africa Rugby but local media reported 60 laptops were taken from other offices in the same park.
The trophy awarded to South Africa on the pitch was the real Webb Ellis Cup, but the one they brought home to Cape Town to keep was a replica of the original. It was taken on an open-top bus parade through the streets of the capital, Pretoria, following the triumph.
Police are investigating the burglary.
Additional reporting by Reuters
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies