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South Africa pledges safety as 3 held for robbing

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-06-11 12:30

A South African policeman stands guard in front of the Switzerland team bus after their arrival at Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo airport June 10, 2010. [Agencies]

"It is unfortunate that our visitors had to endure such an experience and I hope that the swift reaction of the police will give them the confidence to enjoy the rest of their trip, this wonderful country and the beautiful game," Cele said in a statement.

He explained that local Magaliesburg police, detectives and intelligence joined forces and followed up several leads, resulting in three men being taken into custody during Wednesday night.

SAPA reported that Several stolen items were recovered.

Within 48 hours the three men were set to appear in court.

He wanted to assure foreign media that "The police of this country are determined to create a safe environment for the 2010 FIFA World Cup,"  Cele said.

The Times newspaper in Johannesburg named the journalists robbed in a lodge at Magaliesburg as Antonio Simoes, Rui Gustavo and Miquel Cerano.

Beeld newspaper in Johannesburg reported that three Chinese journalists were robbed of a camera while a Korean broadcasting official was robbed of his passport and 12,000 rands (US$1,600).

The head contractor of a Korean broadcasting company was reportedly attacked in the men's room at Carlton Centre, in central Johannesburg.