Johannesburg 10km race: runners report cellphone theft

What was meant to be a festive Heritage Day run through Johannesburg has left some participants dealing with an unwelcome problem: reports of stolen cellphones during the race.

SABC News reports that the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10km, held on Thursday, 24 September, has been the subject of social media reports from runners who claim they were targeted during the event.

WATCH | What should have been a day of fitness and celebration turned into a nightmare after more than 100 runners in Johannesburg reportedly had their cellphones stolen during a race, allegedly by criminals posing as fellow participants. SABC News’ Neria Hlakotsa has the… pic.twitter.com/VaH4VkXTIP

SABC News (@SABCNews) September 24, 2026

Runners raise the alarm

One participant said her bag was cut while she was running. She could not say exactly where along the route the incident happened, but claimed that she was not the only runner affected.

Another runner reportedly said she was targeted at the start of the race.

There has also been speculation among participants that some people may have entered the event posing as runners, allegedly using the crowds and race environment to target participants.

The reports have circulated widely online, although the number of people affected remains unclear.

#sapsGP [GAUTENG POLICE NOTE SOCIAL MEDIA POST REGARDING ALLEGED THEFTS DURING A MARATHON IN JOHANNESBURG] The management of the #SAPS in Johannesburg District has noted a social media post circulating in relation to a marathon held in Johannesburg Central on Thursday, 24/09.

In… pic.twitter.com/cPnm66RIxa

SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) September 25, 2026

Police say one theft case has been reported

The Gauteng police have confirmed that they are aware of a social media post concerning the race, in which a participant alleged that about 100 people had their cellphones stolen.

However, SAPS said that, at the time of its response, only one person had formally reported a theft following the event.

Police said the circumstances surrounding that reported case are being investigated and that no arrests had been made.

SAPS has urged anyone who believes they were a victim to report the incident at their nearest police station. This would allow investigators to establish a clearer picture of what happened.

Social media reports still need to be verified

The difference between the claims circulating online and the number of formal reports received by police is important.

While social media can quickly alert people to potential incidents, SAPS has cautioned the public against sharing unverified information, saying this can create unnecessary alarm and confusion.

The police are also appealing to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

At the time of writing, the Absa Run Your City Joburg 10km had not publicly commented on the reports.

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Source: SABC