Crime should not deter runners from pursuing a healthy lifestyle
Local joggers are worried about their safety after a few cases have been reported of people being robbed on their routes.
POLOKWANE – The two women who were attacked with a machete along Suid Street shortly before 05:00 on Sunday morning, say crime should not deter runners from pursuing a healthy lifestyle through jogging.
The women related how a man dressed in overalls asked to join them as they were passing him.
Soon afterwards, he produced the weapon, demanding their belongings.
“He took our cellphones and a pouch containing car keys,” one of the women told Polokwane Observer.
Although they sustained minor injuries, they concurred that “given the times that people run, such incidents are inevitable.”
For one of the women, who has been running for 15 years, this was the first incident of its kind.
The man fled the scene shortly afterwards, and a group of other runners who were behind, attempted to find him but to no avail.
Polokwane Athletic Club representative, Steve Moyo has advised runners to run in larger groups to minimise the risk of such incidents from happening.
He says similar incidents have occurred a while ago along Nelson Mandela Drive near Seshego, Legae La Batho and Madiba Park.
As a result, they have requested for possible interventions from the community.
“If a family member is out running and you know this, check on them regularly and monitor how long they have been away from home. It makes it easier to recognise when something unfamiliar is happening,” he said.
Police spokesperson, Lt Col Malesela Ledwaba says the issue will be raised to the local police management to find solutions that would help increase the standard of safety for all those moving in the early or late hours around town, including runners.
