Criminals Pose As Runners, Steal Phones At 10km Race In South Africa

Scores of runners had their cell phones stolen by criminals posing as fellow participants, during a 10km race in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Runners were targeted during the Absa Run Your City race on Heritage Day, Thursday, 24 September.

According to The Citizen, one runner said her bag was cut while she was running. She is unsure exactly where along the route the theft occurred, but claims that “many runners” were targeted.

“It was a great run, but criminals posing as runners targeted us. I’m currently at the police station with more than 100 other people whose phones were stolen. What should have been a day of celebration has ended with hundreds of victims reporting the same crime,” said Khathutshelo Mulaudzi.

Affected runners have called on race organisers and headline sponsor Absa to account for security failures and clarify the total number of victims, amidst mounting frustration over safety protocols at the major athletic event.

The South African Police Service (Saps) told The Citizen that police management in Johannesburg District has noted a social media post circulating about a marathon held in Johannesburg Central on Thursday.

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Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that, after the event, only one person came forward to report a theft.

“According to the case reported, the circumstances surrounding the alleged theft are currently under investigation. No arrests have been made at this stage.

“The public is urged to report criminal incidents to the police to ensure that such incidents are properly recorded and investigated,” Sibeko said.

Sibeko also cautioned the public against sharing unverified information about incidents, as it may create unnecessary alarm and confusion.

“Information shared publicly should, as far as possible, be based on verified facts.”

Sibeko has urged anyone who may have been a victim of theft during the event, or who has information that could assist with the investigation, to approach their nearest police station and provide the relevant details.

James Agberebi is a sports content creator and analyst with a passion for football and other sports. He writes sports news, match reports, and analysis to keep fans informed about the latest developments in the sporting world. James has covered international matches involving both Nigeria’s men’s and women’s national teams. His experience covering Nigerian football gives him a good understanding of the game and the teams he writes about. Through his work with Complete Sports, James shares sports updates, match coverage, and analysis with readers in Nigeria and around the world.