What was meant to be a Heritage Day celebration of fitness and community turned into a nightmare for some runners at the Absa Run Your City Johannesburg 10km race, with widespread reports of cellphone thefts allegedly carried out by criminals posing as fellow participants.

The race, held on Thursday, 24 September 2026, started and finished at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, taking runners through the Johannesburg CBD, Nelson Mandela Bridge, and the M1 and M2 highways.

RUNNERS TARGETED ALONG THE ROUTE

One participant, Khathutshelo Mulaudzi, said criminals cut her bag while she was running. She could not pinpoint exactly where along the route the theft occurred, but claimed that many other 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,” Mulaudzi said.

Another participant reportedly said she was targeted at the start of the race. Runners have also speculated that some individuals may have entered the event posing as participants, using the crowds and race environment to target unsuspecting athletes.

POLICE CONFIRM ONLY ONE FORMAL CASE

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has confirmed that Johannesburg District police management noted a social media post circulating about the incident. However, police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said that, following the event, only one person had formally reported 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 said.

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

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

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

CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABILITY

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

The discrepancy between the claims circulating online and the number of formal reports received by police has raised questions about what actually transpired during the race. While social media can quickly alert people to potential incidents, SAPS has stressed that formal reporting is essential for proper investigation.

At the time of reporting, Absa had not publicly commented on the reports.

WHAT RUNNERS SHOULD DO

Runners who were victims of theft during the event are encouraged to report the matter at their nearest police station. This will allow investigators to establish a clearer picture of what happened.

Those with information that could assist the investigation are also urged to come forward.