Taxi Driver Charged with Murder After Soweto Marathon Tragedy Claims Runner’s Life

• A taxi driver is now facing a murder charge after running over a runner during the Soweto Marathon, one of South Africa’s largest and most popular races
• Dezireè du Plessis, a 45-year-old mother of two from Pretoria, suffered life-threatening injuries in the accident and later passed away despite emergency medical treatment
• The incident sparked nationwide concerns about race-day safety, enforcement of traffic restrictions, and the risks posed to participants in major public sporting events

A taxi driver involved in a fatal accident during the Soweto Marathon now faces a murder charge after striking runner Dezireè du Plessis, a 45-year-old mother of two from Pretoria.

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The tragic incident, which occurred on 29 November 2025, has sparked nationwide attention and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of race-day safety measures.

Runner dies following Soweto Marathon accident

Du Plessis was participating in the 30th edition of the Soweto Marathon when she was hit by a taxi vehicle. The accident caused a severe intracranial haemorrhage, and she underwent emergency surgery. Despite medical efforts, Du Plessis later passed away. Her sister, Marijke Miller, confirmed her death on social media:

“Dezzi breathed her last breath this morning and completed her race. She fought to the end but went soft and peaceful,” Miller wrote on Facebook.

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According to the Citizen, AfriForum’s Private Prosecutions Unit disclosed that the family had been informed by a senior prosecutor that the state is considering upgrading the charge against the taxi driver from culpable homicide to murder.

Murder charge sought amid alleged reckless driving

Advocate Gerrie Nel, head of AfriForum’s Private Prosecutions Unit, argued in a letter to the Orlando Magistrate’s Court that the driver, Thabang Ndlovu, should face a murder charge. According to News24, he ignored both verbal and physical warnings from traffic officials and entered a restricted marathon area. Several runners were forced to move out of the way before Du Plessis was struck.

“Based on available information, it is reasonable to infer that the accused foresaw the possibility of hitting a runner and acted deliberately,” Nel stated.

The unit’s spokesperson, Barry Bateman, noted that Du Plessis came from a police family, with both parents serving in the South African Police Service. Bateman emphasised the importance of justice for the mother and sister, adding that AfriForum is fully supporting the police and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in handling the case.

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The driver, who was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, was initially arrested for reckless and negligent driving. Although granted bail, he remains in custody while the matter is further investigated. The next court appearance is scheduled for 27 February 2026.

Nearly 13,000 runners participated in the marathon, which featured 42km, 21km, and 10km races. The tragedy has raised concerns about marathon route safety and the enforcement of traffic regulations during large public events.

Mzansi footballer collapses, dies on pitch

Briefly News previously reported that a Mzansi footballer collapsed and died after a league game at the Verulam Recreational Grounds on Todd Street in KwaZulu-Natal.

Witnesses said the player appeared fit and in good shape during the game, leaving teammates surprised when he later complained of breathing difficulties.

Source: Briefly News