Britain says World Cup fans at risk of carjacking

LONDON (AP)—The British government has warned that fans arriving in South Africa for next year’s World Cup could be at risk of carjacking when they leave Johannesburg airport.

The planned high-speed Gautrain rail link from the airport to Pretoria has already been curtailed and may now not be ready in time for the start of the monthlong tournament on June 11.

That will leave most fans hiring cars or taking taxis, and the government’s foreign office says they should be on guard.

“South Africa is a wonderfully diverse country and promises our fans a great experience next summer,” foreign office minister Chris Bryant said. “However, it is crucial that those planning to travel to the region are aware of what measures they should take to stay safe.”

England will be the only British nation at the 32-team competition. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland failed to qualify.

The government is urging fans to purchase comprehensive travel insurance before heading to the World Cup and to book car hire ahead of time to cut the chances of being targeted.