South African Olympic gold medallist Ryk Neethling is distraught after his Sandton home was robbed early on Friday morning and some of his medals stolen.
Neethling’s agent Fiona de Souza told the Mail & Guardian Online on Friday that the swimmer is “devastated” about the robbery. His recent medals from the World Short Course Championships in Shanghai were stolen, along with other household goods.
“The medals aren’t gold and have no value to anyone. But they’re valuable to him. He is most upset about his medals being stolen,” she said.
De Souza said Neethling has made an appeal to have his medals returned to him anonymously, which would be much appreciated.
Police Inspector Mosima Manganyi told M&G Online on Friday that the perpetrator/s gained entry into Neethling’s home through a window, which they broke.
“It happened in the early hours of the morning and no one was at home. At this stage we cannot comment on any of our leads because we have not received a statement from the owner,” she said.
However, a man between the age of 30 and 35 was taken in for questioning on Friday morning regarding the incident.
Investigations into the matter continue.