Desmond Tutu's home burgled

SOUTH AFRICA: Burglars have broken into the Cape Town home of South African peace icon Desmond Tutu, a spokesman said Thursday.

The break-in occurred overnight Tuesday-Wednesday as the archbishop emeritus and his wife Leah were at home sleeping.

"We can confirm that there was a break-in at the house," said Benny Gool, a spokesman for the 81-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner.

"The police are now investigating the case." Police confirmed a burglary had taken place at a house on Tutu's street in the Milnerton area of the city, but refused to confirm the names of the victims. "The suspect or suspects fled with small household items and are yet to be arrested," said Lieutenant Colonel Andre Traut. Burglaries, or so-called home invasions, are common in South Africa and are frequently accompanied by violence.

Those who can afford it live behind high walls, electrified fences and with panic buttons that rapidly summon heavily armed private security guards.

AFP