In a shocking incident, the state-of-the-art headquarters of Royal AM in Pietermaritzburg was targeted by burglars, resulting in the theft of valuable belongings from both the first team and ladies' team players. The clubhouse, famously known as the Royal Ranch, situated amidst the picturesque green lands of the Kwazulu-Natal (KZN) capital, fell victim to the intrusion.
The highly secure Royal Ranch complex serves as the team headquarters and residence for Royal AM players in the KZN capital of Pietermaritzburg. However, sources say a group of armed criminals were somehow able to gain access to the gated property.
An anonymous informant revealed, "The robbery did not just happen to the girls, it happened to everyone in the compound.
All the players stay on the farm, and they were affected psychologically by the incident." A second source disclosed further details, stating, "A group of armed men broke into the Royal Ranch in Pietermaritzburg and held soccer players hostage. They then robbed the terrified athletes of their cell phones and even stole their television sets. The suspects later hid their loot on a nearby farm before making their escape. However, their plans were thwarted when they returned to retrieve the stolen goods and were confronted by the neighbor's vigilant dogs."
General manager Richard Makhoba, who was in Polokwane with the traveling squad, denied being aware of any incident when contacted by the press. However, police confirm they received reports of the crime and arrested multiple suspects found hiding stolen goods on a neighboring farm.
Stating, "I am not aware of that. I am in Polokwane with the team. I refuse to comment on an incident that did not happen. I do not have the appetite to comment on a story that is not there. Maybe go to your source, and maybe they can give you more. I think it's very sensitive, and if it happened, I would have known about it."
Royal AM, affectionately known as "Thwihli Thwahla," is owned by the flamboyant businesswoman Shauwn "Mamkhize" Mkhize and her son Andile Mpisane.
