"Two bag-slashing incidents were formally reported" - SAPS confirm

Although posts on social media claim that over 100 bags were slashed during the Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K on 24 September, organisers of the race say only two incidents of bag-slashing were reported event's Venue Operations Centre (VOC). Speaking through a statement released yesterday (25 September), Stillwater Sports who organise the Absa RUN YOUR CITY Series explained the process that had been followed to assist those who were robbed of tehir belongings when their bags were slashed while taking part in the popular road runnign event.

"We are aware of reports circulating on social media regarding incidents involving the slashing of participants' bags during the event on Thursday," the statement reads. "Two bag-slashing incidents were formally reported through the event's Venue Operations Centre (VOC): one in the Batch D starting area and another at Water Point 2. Both incidents were immediately managed through the event’s established safety and security protocols. The event’s integrated safety and security operation included private security, the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) and the South African Police Service (SAPS), with all incidents centrally coordinated through the VOC. SAPS case numbers were issued for both reported incidents on 24 September."

"Yesterday (25 September), SAPS confirmed that no additional bag-slashing incidents had been reported. As such, the official records available to the event organisers and SAPS reflect two formally reported incidents."

15 000 runners and walkers took part in the 2026 Absa RUN YOUR CITY JOBURG 10K where criminals are believed to have targeted two runners and slashed their drawstring bags to rob them of their belongings. Photo Credit: Frank Meyer.

This verified information does not support claims circulating on social media that more than 100 participants were affected. Furthermore, pre-event communications encouraged runners to make use of the secure tog bag facility provided at the venue, while event-issued drawstring bags, provided to participants ahead of race day, carried the visible message “Wear Me in Front”. This message was further reinforced on race day through commentator announcements encouraging runners to wear their bags in front and remain aware of their personal belongings.

Dezroy Poole, Event Director of the RUN YOUR CITY Series, said: "Any incident affecting one of our runners is one incident too many. We are deeply concerned that two of our

participants experienced these incidents, and our team responded immediately through the event’s established safety and security structures. We will continue to work closely with the event’s safety and security teams, JMPD and SAPS regarding the reported incidents and any additional verified information that may emerge."