Former Munster Rugby star hailed a hero for catching suspected shoplifter

FORMER Munster Rugby player Jean de Villiers has been heralded a hero in his native South Africa for catching a shoplifter in the act and handing him over to security.

De Villiers, who played centre in 2009 for Munster Rugby, was hailed online for his heroic actions having chased down the suspected thief in his local butcher shop in his South African hometown, Paarl.

The 41 year old former Springboks captain also featured for South Africa in the Lions series 2009, after debuting for Munster Rugby earlier that year.

CCTV footage of the incident, which has been widely shared online, the 2008 South African player of the year running after the petty thief in shorts and sandals. 

Talk about being chased by a former Springbok! Jean de Villiers chasing an alleged thief at a store in Paarl! How I wish to get my hands on that footage! pic.twitter.com/JrUJXfVPsY

— thevillageguy (@thevillageguy1) February 7, 2023

Speaking to a local media, Netwerk24, following the incident, De Villiers said: “When I said ‘hey’, he [the thief] looked around and started running. 

“Then I just said to myself, I must also run now.. and then I ran out of my sandals and glasses and finally across the road.”

With over 100 caps for his country, De Villiers is praised not only now as a local hero for apprehending a thief, but a national hero for his decorated rugby career. 

Owner of the butchery, Edu Hanekom said: “We are very grateful for Jean’s actions. 

“It was quite a thing when a former Springbok rugby captain arrived with the thief.”