A 37-year-old female runner is fighting for her life after being struck by an allegedly drunk taxi driver during Saturday’s Soweto Marathon.
The incident happened on Soweto Highway when the driver ignored road closures and ploughed into participants. Johannesburg Metro Police (JMPD) officers on traffic-point duty gave chase and arrested the suspect within seconds as he attempted to flee.
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla confirmed the driver recorded a breathalyser reading of 0.26 – more than five times the legal limit of 0.05 for ordinary drivers and well over the 0.10 limit for professional permit holders in South Africa. “The runner sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in a critical condition,” Fihla said.
The driver has been charged with:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol
- Reckless and negligent driving
- Failing to stop and render assistance after an accident
He remains in custody and is expected to appear in court on Monday. Police have opened an attempted murder docket alongside the initial charges.
Fihla condemned the incident and urged motorists to respect road closures during major events, saying: “This was completely avoidable. One selfish, intoxicated decision has potentially ruined a life.”
Race organisers and Athletics Gauteng North expressed shock and are providing support to the injured runner and her family.