Four-times Soweto Marathon champion and Comrades gold-medallist Sara Mahlangu is fighting for her life in hospital after being shot during an attempted robbery at her tavern in Tsakane in the Johannesburg East Rand on July 1.

Mahlangu was shot and sustained serious injuries during the incident that happened allegedly while she was locking up the business.

Two men, who were identified as patrons who bought beer from the establishment earlier, were seen running away from the scene.

She was rushed to hospital and later transferred to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital where underwent surgery.

Her family disclosed that Mahlangu was seriously injured during the incident. Her son Thabo told Independent Media that his mother was shot through the neck and chest. She is currently in a stable condition and recovering from her surgery.

Ekurhuleni police spokesperson Captain Neldah Sekgobela confirmed a case of attempted murder is under investigation.

“The two suspects are still on the run and police are following leads,” she says.