Skynews

Four British rugby fans have been robbed at gunpoint as they arrived in South Africa - but have pledged to remain for today's match against the Springboks.

The men, from Kent, were attacked outside their accommodation after getting lost soon after landing in Johannesburg on Thursday night.

They were taken on a detour by the GPS in their hire car and when they arrived at their bed and breakfast, the front entrance was closed.

Soon after, the group were ambushed at gunpoint by four men in a black Mercedes.

"They ordered us out of the car and told us to lie on the floor and remove our wallets and watches," victim Michael Harriott told a local newspaper.

"They threw me to the ground and the next thing they sped off with all our luggage."

Despite their ordeal, brothers Michael and Peter Harriott and Simon and John Murphy, all in their 50s, are determined to attend today's game and continue their stay in
South Africa.

Mr Harriott said: "Besides enjoying the rugby, the people who helped us with the incident were very friendly and helpful. This is why we will stay."

The first test between the British and Irish Lions and South Africa's Springboks will take place later in Durban.

South Africa is eager to shake its image as a haven for criminals ahead of hosting the football world cup in 2010.

But this summer's 2009 Confederations Cup and Lions tour, both hosted by the country, are proving a real test.

This robbery is just the latest of a spate of embarrassing incidents for the local authorities.

Earlier this week, the Egyptian national soccer side competing in the Confederations Cup had their hotel broken into and several thousand US dollars stolen.

On Tuesday, after a Lions game in the Eastern Cape, the newly built Port Elizabeth Stadium bar was robbed when five armed men held up staff and emptied the cash register.

South Africa has one of the highest crime rates globally, with Johannesburg often dubbed the "murder capital" of the world.


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