A taxi driver (39) has been arrested been arrested after allegedly knocking down a runner during the Soweto Marathon on Saturday.
The incident happened near the intersection of the Soweto Highway and Main Road/Mooki Street in Orlando East.
The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) said 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.
“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. This reading is significantly over the legal limit of 0.10 mg/l prescribed for professional drivers in South Africa,” JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla detailed.
The runner, a woman (45) is said to have sustained serious injuries and was immediately transported to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital for urgent medical attention. The driver has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and other traffic violations.
The Soweto Marathon almost faced cancellation however went ahead as planned after reports that the 2023 edition was cancelled.
The Central Gauteng Athletics said in a statement the race had been scrapped was issued reportedly by suspended individuals. Athletics South Africa suspended three members of the Soweto Marathon Trust, including chairperson Sello Khunou, after controversy regarding broadcast rights last year.
