Soweto Marathon Chaos: Taxi Driver Arrested After Alleged Hit-And-Run On Runner

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) arrested a 39-year-old taxi driver on Saturday after he allegedly struck a female athlete during the Soweto Marathon and fled the scene.

According to authorities, the woman was taking part in the annual race when the vehicle collided with her. Officers deployed to manage marathon traffic quickly pursued and stopped the driver before he could escape.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Boy, 10, Finds Mom Stabbed To Death In Free State Shack — Boyfriend Arrested

JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed the incident occurred near the intersection of Soweto Highway and Main Road/Mooki Street in Orlando East and Noordgesig.

“The incident occurred near the intersection of Soweto Highway and Main Road/Mooki Street in Orlando East and Noordgesig, an area where JMPD officers were deployed to manage traffic for the marathon,” said Fihla.

Soweto Marathon Runner Suffers Serious Injuries

The 37-year-old runner sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital for urgent medical treatment.

Police said that upon the driver’s arrest, officers suspected he was under the influence of alcohol and conducted a breathalyser test. The reading came back at 0.26 mg/l, far above South Africa’s professional driving limit of 0.10 mg/l.

JMPD Confirms DUI and Hit-and-Run Charges

Following the test results, the taxi driver was formally charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and hit and run (failing to stop and render assistance).

He is currently detained at Orlando SAPS, where a case docket has been opened for ongoing investigation and prosecution.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On  Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky