UPDATE: Comrades runner Moira Harding being monitored in ICU
In a frightening incident that has gripped South Africa, Comrades runner Moira Harding was found on Monday morning after going missing in the hours after completing the famous ultramarathon in Durban on Sunday.
Harding was found near the National Sea Rescue Institute base in The Point area of Durban, several kilometres from the finishing area, and she was quickly airlifted to the Intensive Care Unit at a hospital in Umhlanga.
The 54-year-old was reported to be largely unresponsive and in a critical condition when she was found by construction workers after seemingly battling the elements throughout the night, having seemingly becoming disoriented after the race.
It's been suggested that the chaotic, crowded and poorly controlled finish at the People's Park, rather than a more expansive stadium, could have contributed to Harding being led astray.
Harding had been wearing an '''in case of emergency''' (ICE) rubber bracelet with her emergency contact details when she was found, apparently lying on her back near Durban's harbour.
In the latest update, it's believed that Harding is being carefully treated for dehydration and hypothermia, and remains under sedation in order to allow her the best chance of a quick recovery after being found in a hypothermic state.
Although she presented no visible signs of injuries, it still remains a mystery as to how or why she ended up so far from the finish area of the Comrades, but some eye witnesses have reported Harding already appeared dazed soon after completing the gruelling marathon.
Harding's family waited at the finish with plans of meeting up upon her completion of the race, but real concern set in when she could not be located, leading to a citywide search for more than 12 hours.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers were planning to further investigate the incident.
'The woman is currently in hospital and although she was found with no visible injuries, police will await the medical report, which will determine police's next course of action,' he said.
Harding's Fish Hoek Athletic Club Manager Andre Blom said that thanks to her emergency tag, her husband was quickly contacted once she was found.
'She was wearing an ID bracelet; they call it an ICE bracelet in case of emergencies, so it's a rubber band which has a tag in it and on that tag, you would then put in emergency contact details so if any person finds you they can immediately phone that tag number and then they will then be able to get into contact the emergency contact for that person that is how they found her husband.'
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Mayibuye Mandela charges 'refugees', AfriForum with treason
Mayibuye Mandela, the great-grandson of Nelson Mandela's sister, has laid charges of treason against the group of Afrikaner 'refugees' who arrived in the US as 'persecuted' people. The outspoken politician also charged activist organisations AfriForum and Solidarity Movement for their comments about South Africa. On his X account, Mayibuye Mandela – who refers to himself as 'Nelson Mandela's great grandson' – revealed that he had officially taken action against the group of Afrikaner 'refugees'. Mayibuye posted official documents stating that he had laid a charge of treason against the group, as well as Afrikaner rights organisations, AfriForum, and Solidarity Movement. In the papers, Mayibuye accused the 'refugees' and the organisation of spreading 'fake news' and a 'false narrative' of a 'white genocide' in South Africa. The 30-year-old stated that the 'refugees' had violated numerous laws, including: Incitement to cause public harm or racial hatred over their 'propaganda'. Misinformation and Cyber Defamation for 'causing reputational harm to South Africa'. Immigration Act for 'knowingly submitting false claims of persecution'. Apart from being charged by Mayibuye Mandela, AfriForum is also facing a treason probe after four dockets of high treason were opened against it. The lobby group has been condemned for calling for the US to 'intervene' in domestic affairs. It has also been accused of spreading misinformation about the Expropriation Act. Afrikaner 'refugees' depart South Africa for the US. Image: X/ According to reports, the Haws are currently interviewing witnesses in their investigation. Hawks head, Godfrey Lebeya, said: 'These kinds of matters need to be approached carefully. We are dealing with a serious crime here.' AfriForum CEO Kallie Kriel has repeatedly claimed that he was 'not concerned' over the probe. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 . Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp , Facebook , X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
8 hours ago
- The South African
BREAKING: Cape Town underworld figure Andre Naude shot dead
A heavy police presence descended on the intersection of Voortrekker Road and Giel Basson Drive in Parow on Thursday afternoon following the fatal shooting of Andre Naude, a figure long associated with Cape Town's criminal underworld. Naude was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency services responded swiftly, but paramedics were unable to revive him. Police have cordoned off the area, and investigators are currently on-site collecting evidence and speaking to potential witnesses. While unconfirmed reports of an assassination have begun circulating on social media, authorities have not officially stated whether the shooting was a targeted hit or the result of other circumstances. Naude was reportedly accompanied by at least one bodyguard at the time of the incident. Andre Naude's name has for years been linked to organised crime in the Western Cape, and his activities have drawn significant attention from both law enforcement and media. His death marks a potentially significant development in Cape Town's ongoing struggle with organised criminal networks. Police have urged members of the public to avoid the area while the investigation is underway and to refrain from speculation until more information becomes available. 'We are currently investigating all angles and will provide updates in due course,' said a police spokesperson. The motive behind the shooting and the identities of those involved remain unknown. No arrests have been made at this stage. This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly. Please refresh the page for the fullest version. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
9 hours ago
- The South African
Comrades Marathon: No deaths, avoid 'fake news'
There has been some widespread criticism of the chaotic, crowded and poorly controlled finish at the People's Park at the conclusion of Sunday's Comrades marathon. Understandably, there was also widespread concern over the wellbeing of runner Moira Harding, who went missing after the event and is being treated in hospital after eventually being found unresponsive on Monday morning. There have also been some rumours and reports of fatalities during the race, but these have been emphatically dismissed by the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) in a statement released this week. 'It has been brought to the attention of the Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) that some digital media outlets or accounts are reporting two deaths during the 2025 edition of the race, which took place this past weekend (Sunday 8 June),' the statement read. 'The CMA and its medical team can confirm that no deaths have been recorded at the 2025 event.' CMA General Manager Alain Dalais warned against taking 'fake news' as fact. 'As can be expected from an event of this nature and size, there were some cases of runners being transferred to hospital from the route, for various medical reasons. The CMA medical, emergency, safety and health protocols are excellent, and focused on the safety of all runners. 'The CMA distances itself from any fake news or rumours doing the rounds, and suggests that our community rely on reputable sources for information – starting with our own channels,' he adds. Meanwhile, the latest update on the condition of Harding suggests she is still being treated in hospital for dehydration and hypothermia, and remains under sedation in order to allow her the best chance of a quick recovery. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
