South African police say Colombia team had money stolen from Johannesburg World Cup hotel

Colombia team robbed by South Africa hotel workers

JOHANNESBURG — Police say two hotel workers stole money from members of Colombia’s soccer team, which is in South Africa for a friendly against the World Cup host.

Police spokesman Eugene Opperman said Friday the Colombian players’ hotel rooms were cleaned while they were training on Tuesday, and when they returned they discovered cash was missing.

Opperman said two employees appeared in court Thursday on theft charges. A third, who had also been arrested, was later released after being cleared of involvement.

The incident occurred at a five-star hotel in the plush northern Johannesburg suburbs — the same hotel where Slovenia will be based during the World Cup. Slovenia is scheduled to arrive on June 8.

Egypt’s soccer team was robbed of nearly $2,500 at its Johannesburg hotel during last year’s Confederations Cup.

South Africa beat Colombia 2-1 on Thursday in its first game at Soccer City, the main World Cup stadium.