Johannesburg – A race through the streets of Johannesburg ended with an unexpected rush to the police station after runners reported that their cellphones had been snatched during the event.
The race was held on Heritage Day, Thursday, 24 September 2026, with runners taking part in the Johannesburg leg of the Absa Run Your City Series.
Some runners alleged that thieves posed as fellow participants and targeted them during the race. One runner said she was among more than 100 people at a police station after the event who reported having their phones stolen.
“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,” the runner said.
She also alleged that her bag had been cut while she was running and said she was unsure exactly where along the route the theft occurred.
WATCH | What should have been a day of fitness and celebration turned into a nightmare after more than 100 runners in Johannesburg reportedly had their cellphones stolen during a race, allegedly by criminals posing as fellow participants. SABC News’ Neria Hlakotsa has the… pic.twitter.com/VaH4VkXTIP
— SABC News (@SABCNews) September 24, 2026
SAPS confirms investigation
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that Johannesburg District police were aware of reports circulating on social media about theft during the race.
However, police cautioned that the number of alleged victims circulating online had not been independently confirmed.
SAPS spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said that, at the time of the report, only one person had formally come 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,” Sibeko aording to The Citizen.
She urged anyone whose cellphone or belongings were stolen during the event to report the matter at their nearest police station.
“The public is urged to report criminal incidents to the police to ensure that such incidents are properly recorded and investigated,” Sibeko said.
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Police also warned members of the public against sharing unverified information about the incident, saying this could create unnecessary alarm and confusion.
“Information shared publicly should, as far as possible, be based on verified facts,” Sibeko said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
