Lagos — German team manager Oliver Bierhoff has become another casualty of South African armed robbers, who stole his briefcase on Sunday in Durban.

Germany Football Federation (GFBF) officials today told journalists that Bierhoff who was in Durban for the World cup qualifying draws had his bag containing his passport, cell phone and world cup documents stolen.

"The former international lost his bag to thieves as he made his way to breakfast at his hotel in Durban," GFBF said in a statement.

DFBF, however, said that Bierhoff had been issued a substitute passport by the German Embassy in South Africa.

DFB disclosed that "a briefcase belonging to George Behlau, the national team's manager, was also stolen but that contained nothing of great value."

Meanwhile, FIFA president earlier yesterday defended South Africa as he allayed the fears of critics over crime in the country during the world cup.

Blatter said: "In a city of 3.5 million some crimes are possible like in all other countries.

"On Friday evening in a bus station or train station in Zurich a young girl of 16 was shot. Crime is everywhere," Blatter said and emphasising that such a tragedy could occur anywhere in the world.