Several runners who participated in the Absa Run Your City event in Johannesburg on Thursday have expressed concern about alleged cellphone thefts during the race. The issue gained attention on social media, with claims that a large number of runners had their cellphones stolen. According to police spokesperson Capt Tintswalo Sibeko, only one person had formally reported a theft after the event, but the circumstances surrounding the reported theft were still being investigated.
Cynthia Pinky Gasela, one of the runners, shared her experience, saying she believed someone had tried to steal from her in Braamfontein. She managed to prevent the theft by holding her pouch tightly. Other runners, however, were not as fortunate. Khathutshelo Mulaudzi, spokesperson in the Johannesburg mayoral office, reported that her phone was allegedly stolen from her bag while she was running, and she is unsure exactly where along the route the theft occurred.
Mulaudzi stated that she was not the only victim and that over 100 people had reported similar incidents. She had opened a case at the police station and expressed disappointment that the event had been marred by crime. Another runner, Phathutshedzo Mushavhela, questioned whether participants had taken sufficient precautions to protect their belongings during the race, citing advice given to runners to wear their bags in front of them.
Mushavhela also noted that there were three big trucks where runners could leave their bags and get a tag, allowing them to run without a bag. However, many runners chose to ignore this option. Lebogang Moshi echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the instructions given to participants emphasized the importance of wearing their bags in front of them.
Some runners have expressed frustration and disappointment with the situation. “Aus’tshedi” reported that she will not participate in running marathons anymore after her phone was stolen, having only run for 4km before realizing her phone was gone. Magezi Silas Xivuri alleged that he saw people participating in the race without race numbers, suggesting that they may have had ulterior motives.
The police have urged people not to share unverified information about the alleged thefts, as this could create unnecessary alarm and confusion. Instead, they encouraged anyone who may have been a victim of theft or has information to approach their nearest police station and provide the relevant details. The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to determine the extent of the thefts and identify those responsible.
The Absa Run Your City organisers have been approached for comment on the allegations, including the security arrangements at the event, but no response had been received by the time of publication. The incident serves as a reminder for runners to take necessary precautions to protect their belongings during events.
Key points
- Over 100 runners reported alleged cellphone thefts during the Absa Run Your City event in Johannesburg.
- Police are investigating the incidents and have urged victims to report to their nearest police station.
- Runners have been advised to take precautions to protect their belongings during events.
