Soccer: Stab-proof vests annoy Cup hosts

The stab-proof vests as pictured on the Protektorvest website.

A British company has come under fire for trying to sell "stab-proof" vests to soccer fans heading to South Africa for the World Cup tournament.

The online company, Protektorvest, has portrayed the Republic as a wild, dangerous region, where personal safety and security are paramount, and visitors take their lives in their hands every time they venture outdoors.

Hence the need for body armour.

However, the South African police have joined with World Cup soccer administrators in condemning the UK company for causing "unnecessary fear".

South Africa's football boss Kirsten Nematandani has assured visitors that all safety measures were in place, BBC news reported today.

South Africa does have one of the world's highest rates of violent crimes but the authorities say they will tighten security for the tournament.

Meanwhile, Protektorvest claim the vests - which cost about £43 - are the "No 1 personal protection for the World Cup 2010".

They offer the following charming "facts" about life in South Africa on their website:

* During 2008/2009 approximately 2.1 million serious crime cases were registered in South Africa;

* During 2008/2009 a total of 72,194 (59 per cent) of all aggravated robberies were street/public robberies. In 38 per cent of the street robberies, knives were used; and

* Knives and other sharp objects were the most common instruments used to kill victims (52 per cent), followed by firearms (28 per cent) and blunt objects (12 per cent).

Fans can add their national flag or their favourite personal slogan on to the vest.

- NZHERALD STAFF