Johannesburg – Soweto Marathon taxi driver Thabang Ndlovu, accused of fatally running over Soweto Marathon runner Dezireè Du Plessis, remains in custody after his virtual appearance in court.
Du Plessis was struck by a taxi during the Soweto Marathon on 29 November 2025 after Ndlovu allegedly ignored verbal and physical warnings from traffic officials not to enter a restricted area, forcing several runners to move out of the way before he hit her.
She died on 12 December 2025 from her extensive injuries.
Ndlovu was previously charged with culpable homicide until the AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, on behalf of the Du Plessis family, wrote to the senior prosecutor in January 2026 to argue why the accused should face the more serious offence.
On Friday, 27 February 2026, taxi driver Ndlovu made a brief virtual appearance in the Orlando Magistrate’s Court on a charge of murder.
Head of AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, Advocate Gerrie Nel, accompanied Marijke Miller and Saskia Baker, Du Plessis’ sister and mother, as well as members of the Bobbies club, including retired Major General Sharon Schutte, who led the SA Police Service (SAPS) Serious and Violent Crime Unit until her retirement in 2012.
Du Plessis’ mother and father were both members of SAPS.
The case was postponed to 27 March 2026 for further investigation.
While the accused was granted bail of R8 000, he has not paid it and remains in custody.
After the proceedings, an emotional Miller said that, while it was difficult to see the person accused of her sister’s death for the first time, she is determined to see justice served.
“This person took the life of someone we dearly loved, so hopefully this matter proceeds so we can ease some of the pain experienced by Dezzie’s children and our family,” said Miller.
“I can’t describe our gratitude for everybody that is here, that has supported us, especially AfriForum and the members of the Bobbies running club.
“For us as a family, we cannot do it without them, and we are grateful for them having our backs during this time.”
Commenting on the matter, Barry Bateman, spokesperson for AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, said the organisation will closely monitor proceedings and support the family during the criminal process.
He said that AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit is satisfied that the police and the National Prosecuting Authority were “paying enough attention” to the case, especially after the positive response to “our argument” that the accused should be charged with murder rather than culpable homicide.
“Thorough investigations lead to strong cases, and strong cases lead to convictions,” said Bateman.
“Without convictions, the rampant lawlessness on the country’s roads will continue.
“The life of an innocent mother, who was participating in an outdoor activity she enjoyed with thousands of other runners, was cut short as a result of the complete disregard for the law.
“There must be serious consequences for such conduct.”
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