KZN MEC for sport, arts and culture, Amanda Bani-Mapena expressed shock and sadness at the tragic passing of two athletes who died during the gruelling 95th down run edition of the 2022 Comrades Marathon on Sunday, 28 August.
The Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) said it is saddened by the deaths of the two athletes. CMA race doctor, Dr Jeremy Boulter said the runners got into distress at two different points along the route.
Boulter confirmed that Phakamile Ntshiza (Race No. 53126) and Mzameleni Mthembu (Race No. 56904) had passed away; and has conveyed his condolences to the families and friends of the deceased.
The first confirmed case of fatality was Ntshiza of Adventist Athletics Club in Gauteng who was last clocked at 08:53am in Cato Ridge and the second one is Mthembu of Hollywood Bets Athletics Club who passed away at Westville Hospital. He was last clocked in Winston Park at 11:41am.
“While details are still unknown, Mr Ntshiza had reportedly passed away before he could be transported to hospital while running close to the halfway mark. Mr Mthembu had suffered a heart attack whilst running along the Pinetown stretch of the Comrades route. He was taken to the Westville Hospital, where he later passed away,” said Boulter.
CMA chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo said: “At this difficult time, we share our sympathy and condolences with the family, friends and running mates of these two athletes. We will continue to have them in our thoughts and offer them our support as they deal with their loss. We would also like to thank the medical staff and volunteers who assisted in quickly providing whatever assistance they could to these athletes.”
In a statement posted on social media, the Hollywoodbets Athletics Club said: “It is with a heavy heart to announce the passing of Hollywoodbets Athletics Club athlete, Mzamo Mthembu, from the Toti branch who was running Comrades Marathon on Sunday. He had complications along the route and collapsed in Pinetown and was taken to Westville Hospital where he sadly passed away. Condolences to the entire #Purple family, Mthembu family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.”
Bani-Mapena joined thousands of sports-loving South Africans in paying tribute to the pair and wishing strength to their family during this difficult period.
“I have no words. Just when we are celebrating the return of this magnificent race, tragedy also hit. While we all understand the health and physical risks associated with a race of such magnitude, we never anticipate that we would lose lives of the athletes. Our heartfelt condolences go to their beloved families, friends, teammates and their clubs. They died doing what they loved most which was running,” she said.
Bani-Mapena added that she was informed that there are two other runners who are in critical condition in hospital. “We are praying for their speedy recovery,” she said.
