Durban - A Zimbabwean couple visiting Durban for the African Games came out of their B&B in Morningside on Wednesday afternoon to find their vehicle had been stolen.
They had gone into the B&B at midday and were horrified when they emerged to find the car and expensive athletics equipment gone.
“It is possible that someone followed us (to the B&B) because our car had a Zimbabwean registration number. They could have known that our car could not be traced in South Africa,” said Amy Cooke.
Amy is with her husband, Keegan Cooke, who is participating in the African Senior Championships held at the Kings Park Athletic Stadium. He is one of the 23 people representing Zimbabwe.
Their 1997 Toyota Prado had $5 000 (thousands of rands) worth of athletics training equipment intended for training at schools in Zimbabwe.
“In Zimbabwe the facilities are not good, so my husband had to bring in his own equipment.”
The equipment was for hurdles, javelin and shot-put.
Athletics South African president Aleck Skhosana said the athletes participating in the championships were ASA’s responsibility.
“There are 49 out of the 54 African countries participating. They all went through very rigorous processes of registration, accommodation, transportation, meals and other things. They become our responsibility.”
Skhosana said four hotels had been arranged for the athletes and management.
Zimbabwe Athletics Association vice-president Christina Ncube said the other athletes were staying together and the couple’s losses were not their responsibility.
“It has nothing to do with us as a federation,” said Ncube.
Cooke said he had contacted the Zimbabwean federation after being notified he would be participating in the championships. He wanted to be accommodated together with his wife, which became impossible.
He thanked the Zimbabwean federation, which he said was supportive to the athletes.
He also thanked Jean Verster, Caster Semenya’s coach, and others who had been assisting him.
Police spokesman Shooz Magudulela confirmed that the car was stolen.
“A case of theft of motor vehicle was opened at Berea police station. No recovery and no arrests have been made at this stage,” he said.