Recently, I was a victim of a mugging when my friend and I went jogging nearby the Driving Range in Alberton.
At approximately 4.50am, we jogged on Newquay Road, next to the Driving Range, when we saw a man walking towards us. We immediately sensed trouble. I managed to run past the man, but my friend got into a struggle with him. My friend got cut with a dagger (luckily, not a serious injury) and his shoes and watch were stolen off of him.
Meanwhile, as I passed the attacker, two more men appeared from the dark. They grabbed me and I screamed. One of them covered my mouth and brought me to a sitting position. All three attackers had daggers.
They took my sports watch, cellphone and running shoes off of my feet. Next thing I knew, two of them attempted to drag me towards a bush, but I think they got distracted by something and I managed to escape and run to the nearest fuel station.
After a minute or so, my friend also arrived at the garage after a friendly motorist (whom I think frightened the attackers) gave him a lift. Then we were safe again. We were lucky to get away, but an incident like this is definitely traumatising.
I would suggest that runners stay alert and avoid running in the dark. Stay away from quiet and bushy areas and run in large groups of people. I think it’s a good idea to carry self-defence items (such as a taser or pepper spray) on your person.
Also, stay away from high-crime areas and rather run in residential areas where security companies are on patrol. I emphasise that joggers must run in groups for safety!
If you’re looking for a running group to join, contact the Alberton Athletics Club on www.albertonroadrunners.co.za or secretary@albertonroadrunners.co.za, or the Lewensentrum Athletics Club on jackiecampher@yahoo.com.”
Lida Botha
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