Randmark Run, Walk and Cycling Club has raised concerns about athletes taking to the streets alone after a number of incidents were reported across the country.
Karin Bezuidenhout, a member of the club, has been following the news around the country and has come across articles about runners being robbed, raped, and knocked down by cars.
Bezuidenhout referred to the rape of a female runner in Pietermaritzburg among other incidents. The woman was raped at knife-point less than a km away from her home. Police confirmed the attacker stole her shoes, watch and tracksuit when he was done.
This is a horrible reality in our country – we have to be cautious and make sure we are not out running alone,” Bezuidenhout said.
To the members of the club she said, “If you are on the running group and want to run, put a message up and see if someone else wants to run with you. We have to be very careful ladies, both with running and cycling.”
The above incident is but one of many that have happened since the beginning of the year. Other incidents include a runner being kidnapped in Durban and a woman, 44, who was attacked, robbed and left for dead.
Bezuidenhout urges all runners and cyclists in Randfontein, especially those who are not part of the club to run and cycle in a group to prevent being targeted.
Tips for staying safe:
• Meet at a public place
• Run in a group
• Plan routes before running
• Avoid ‘crime hotspot’ roads
• Change routes regularly
Members of the club run on Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 5am. Should anyone be interested in joining, they can contact Wilma Botha on 079 494 5006.
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