Johannesburg – The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) arrested a drunk minibus taxi driver after he struck a 37-year-old female runner in the 2025 African Bank Soweto Marathon.
JMPD Spokesperson Superintendent Xolani Fihla said the woman was taken to the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital for urgent medical attention.
The marathon took place on Saturday, 29 November 2025, from 05h30 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Narec in Soweto, Gauteng.
Distances included a 42.2km, 21.1km, and 10km races.
Superintendent Fihla said 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.
“It is alleged that the driver of the taxi attempted to flee the scene following the accident but was swiftly apprehended before he could escape,” Superintendent Fihla said.
“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 breathalyser test.
“The test confirmed the suspicion, yielding a reading of 0.26 mg/l.”
Superintendent Fihla said this reading is significantly over the legal limit of 0.10 mg/l prescribed for professional drivers in South Africa.
The 39-year-old driver has been arrested on charges related to driving under the influence of alcohol and hit and run (Failing to stop and render assistance).
Meanwhile, Deputy President Paul Mashatile participated in the Soweto Marathon.
On completion, the Deputy President emphasised the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.
The winners of the Soweto Marathon were Joseph Seutloali of Lesotho in the men’s race and Margaret Jepchumba of Kenya in the women’s race.
*Images and videos courtesy GCIS
