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African Bank Soweto Marathon runners.
A taxi driver has been arrested after he allegedly struck and injured a female runner participating in the annual Soweto Marathon on Saturday.
Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) says the incident occurred near the intersection of Soweto Highway, where JMPD officers were deployed to monitor traffic for the marathon.
JMPD confirms the arrest of a reportedly drunk taxi driver following a serious incident where he allegedly struck a female runner participating in the annual Soweto Marathon.https://t.co/P2xrAuEm6r#ArriveAlive #DontDrinkandDrive @JoburgMPD pic.twitter.com/Wr8xIQz1gm
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) November 29, 2025
JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla says the driver tried to flee, but officers caught him within seconds. Fihla has condemned the incident, urging motorists to stay alert and respect road closures during major public events.
“The 37-year-old female runner sustained serious injuries and was immediately transported to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital for urgent medical attention. Upon apprehension, the driver was immediately suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and was subjected to a breathalyzer test. The test confirmed the suspicion, yielding a reading of 0,26, and this reading is significantly over the legal limit of 0,10 prescribed for professional drivers in SA. The driver has been formally charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and failing to stop and render assistance. He has been detained and a case docket has been opened for further investigation and prosecution.”
MEDIA STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE29 NOVEMBER 2025
JMPD ARRESTS A TAXI DRIVER FOR HIT-AND-RUN AND DRUNK DRIVING DURING SOWETO MARATHON #JoburgRoadSafety #SaferJoburg #NomakanjaniManjeNamhlanje #sowetomarathon pic.twitter.com/7WNvqZcR4G
— Jo’burg Metro Police Department – JMPD (@JoburgMPD) November 29, 2025
