Police are investigating after a pro-Palestinian protester was allegedly assaulted by a runner taking part in the Cape Town Marathon on Sunday.
Lorna Houston said she and her sister, Communicare CEO Anthea Houston, 53, had been at a pro-Palestinian picket on the side of Salt River Road near Salt River Circle, at around 11am, when a runner had struck Anthea who had fallen and hit the back of her head on the road.
“She was taken to hospital Sunday and remains under observation due to the nature of her injuries,” said Lorna.
She declined to say which hospital Anthea had been taken to, but said: “She sustained head injuries and a severe concussion. Some of the concussion symptoms cleared but not all.”
The protest was organised by Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and the Salt River Heritage Society.
PSC volunteer Shamile Manie said the picket had been about to finish and the protesters had wanted to take a picture at Salt River Circle. He said they had waited until there were no runners to cross the road.
“The next moment, a runner came out of nowhere and knocked against Anthea and she fell backwards, and I felt her falling near my legs.”
He said the man had continued to run and had not looked back.
Barry van Blerk, race director of the Cape Town Marathon, said: “We were approached by the South African Police Service and we gave them all the information that they requested.”
Woodstock police station commander Colonel Delven Matroos said: “The case is still under investigation. Witness statements must still be obtained.”
Lorna said she was disappointed that the alleged assailant had not been arrested on the spot and that he had not turned back to check on her sister
“Although police were slow to respond initially, they are now investigating a runner and we look forward to his arrest.”
SRHC chairman Lutfi Omar said: “The incident serves as a stark reminder that we must work together to create, a safer, compassionate and more inclusive society for all.”
