Absa Run Your City Joburg 10k Organisers Dispute Mass Theft Claims, SAPS Logs Only 2 Cases

• Reports emerged claiming nearly 100 runners had their cellphones stolen during the Heritage Day race in Johannesburg
• Race organisers contacted SAPS directly after the event and found the official incident count significantly lower than circulated claims
• Event Director Dezroy Poole addressed the discrepancy and outlined how the two confirmed incidents were handled on the day

Organisers of the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10k have pushed back against widespread media reports alleging that close to 100 runners had their cellphones stolen during the Heritage Day mass-participation race held in the Johannesburg CBD on Thursday.

The South African Police Service confirmed that only two criminal incidents were formally logged in connection with the event. SAPS reaffirmed that position on Friday, with the official tally remaining at two reported cases.

Only 2 incidents confirmed through official channels

According to the race organisers, both incidents involved bag-slashing and were processed through the event's Venue Operations Centre. One took place in the Batch D starting area, while the second occurred at Water Point 2. Both were dealt with through established security and safety protocols at the time.

Read also

Johannesburg runner’s bag cut during 10K as phone theft claims surface

As reported by IOL, Event Director Dezroy Poole said the organisation took the incidents seriously but had an obligation to report accurately.

Poole said that any incident affecting a runner was concerning and that the organisers were deeply concerned about the two participants involved. He said the event team had responded immediately through its established safety and security structures.

He added that the organisers had a responsibility to communicate accurate information. According to Poole, information verified through the Venue Operations Centre and directly with SAPS confirmed that two bag-slashing incidents had been formally reported, which did not support claims that more than 100 runners had been affected.

Organisers urge runners to stay vigilant

Poole acknowledged the broader security challenges associated with large-scale public events, saying that anticipating and managing risks was a key part of organising mass-participation races.

He said organisers were responsible for identifying potential risks, implementing appropriate security measures and responding effectively when incidents occurred. Poole also urged runners attending large public events to remain aware of their surroundings and keep a close eye on their personal belongings.

Read also

Absa Run Your City Johannesburg runners targeted by thieves disguised as participants

Poole added that organisers would continue working closely with SAPS and would release any further verified information should it become available.

Source: Briefly News