An audacious theft shook Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium after a Justin Bieber concert, with authorities confirming that more than 100,000 dollars from the event’s earnings disappeared. Investigators say the intruders used rope, a hammer, and chisels to breach a security room where venue staff typically secure cash from performances. The break-in is believed to have taken place during the night after the show had finished, with the thieves reportedly entering through the roof and damaging a bathroom tile in the process to gain access to the room. A police spokesperson indicated that the money in question had been left in the security area for collection and safekeeping and that the loss had been discovered when staff returned for early-morning checks.
The money may also cover earnings from a Bon Jovi concert previously held at the venue, according to investigators. The stadium has placed the site under lockdown as officers piece together the sequence of events and secure surrounding areas. At this stage, police have not released a count of suspects, and no arrests have been announced. Security officials are reviewing surveillance footage, interviewing staff, and assessing how access to the secure room was possible, a process that may reveal gaps in the venue’s routine cash-handling procedures.
The incident triggered a lockdown as investigators review CCTV footage, air vents, and room access logs to determine how the cash moved and to identify potential security gaps. The inquiry includes checking vents and access points for signs of tampering, and officials are coordinating with venue security and local authorities to reconstruct the sequence of events and bolstering checks where needed.
Fans and staff await updates as authorities continue to investigate. The incident has spurred a security review of cash-handling procedures at FNB Stadium and similar venues across the region, with discussions about enhanced on-site patrols and stricter access controls. Authorities emphasize that anyone with information should share it with investigators, pointing to the seriousness of the breach and its impact on event operations and venue safety.