In a daring heist on Monday evening, two robbers were captured on security cameras, stealing five signed Springbok jerseys, eight laptops, and a stash of whisky from the South African Rugby Union (SARU) head office.
The thieves broke into the SARU head office in Tygerberg Office Park in Plattekloof, Cape Town, where the replica of the Webb Ellis trophy is kept.
Robbers Caught on Camera Stealing at South African Rugby Union (SARU) Head Offices
According to police reports, the thieves arrived in a white Toyota Corolla around 8 pm. They skillfully navigated SARU House’s offices, where the replica of the Webb Ellis trophy is securely stored in a safe.
A spokesperson for the Western Cape police, Captain FC van Wyk, confirmed the break-in, stating that the suspects gained entry by forcing open a window on the ground floor.
Webb Ellis Trophy Safe: SARU Confirms Iconic Rugby Cup Remains Untouched
Surveillance footage circulating on social media reveals the thieves’ apparent fascination with the trophy, lifting it briefly before continuing their search for valuables.
The two robbers were caught on camera wearing gloves stealing five signed Springbok jerseys, whisky and eight laptops.
Despite the theft of signed jerseys, laptops, and whisky, SARU assures the public that all major trophies, including the coveted Rugby World Cup (RWC) trophy and the Webb Ellis Cup, are safe after the brazen burglary. However, sixty additional laptops were reported stolen from another company within the same office park on the same night.
Watch the video below;
Here is footage of the burglary. https://t.co/6aOLd4VwHx pic.twitter.com/XjDADMTcfL
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) November 14, 2023
Also Read: Stealing the Spotlight? Springboks Fans Thrash Thief During Trophy Tour In Cape Town
Manhunt Underway: Western Cape Police Launch Operation to Apprehend Suspects
Law enforcement has launched a manhunt for the two suspects seen wearing gloves during the burglary.
Meanwhile, this incident echoes a recent attempt to pilfer the Webb Ellis trophy during the Springboks’ victory tour in November. Videos circulated on social media showing a man allegedly trying to “steal” the trophy from another person, resulting in a public uproar and subsequent assault on the suspected thief.