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Thieves bust trying to rob soccer cops

TWO robbers who tried to rob Brazilian police officials based in Pretoria were sentenced within 24 hours of committing the crime.

TWO robbers who tried to rob Brazilian police officials based in Pretoria were sentenced within 24 hours of committing the crime.

Police spokesperson Vish Naidoo said the two Brazilians, on an observer mission for preparations for the 2010 World Cup, caught the robbers trying to steal from their hotel rooms in Pretoria early on Tuesday morning.

The men were charged with housebreaking with an intent to steal and by yesterday afternoon were sentenced to five years - with two years suspended - in the Pretoria magistrate's court.

The sentence means Sibusiso Mashaba, and Faahaim Pillay, both 21, will spend at least three years in jail.

Naidoo said the quick turnaround time from the crime being committed to the men receiving sentence was part of a promise the police made - especially in connection with the Confederation and World soccer cups.

"We have always promised we would have dedicated police officers ... (and) dedicated courts and prosecutors to ensure speedy finalisation of cases," Naidoo said. - Sapa

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