Gerhard van Rensburg has been temporarily suspended by the Pretoria Marathon Club following allegations of assaulting a pro-Palestine protester during the Cape Town Marathon held on Sunday, 15 October 2023.
Pretoria Marathon Club suspends Gerhard van Rensburg: Here’s everything we know
The incident came to light when it was reported that Gerhard van Rensburg, while participating in the Cape Town Marathon under the banner of the Pretoria Marathon Club (PMC), allegedly assaulted a protester, Ms Anthea Houston, who was part of a peaceful demonstration organised by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (PSC).
According to eyewitness accounts, as van Rensburg was running past Houston, who was holding up a Palestinian banner, he reportedly shoved her out of his way.
The alleged shove caused Houston to fall and hit her head on the ground, resulting in a head injury that necessitated medical attention.
This report promptly reached the management of the Pretoria Marathon Club, a voluntary association affiliated with Athletics Gauteng North (AGN).
In a statement released on Tuesday, the club reiterated that it strictly upholds a non-racial, non-political, and democratic policy, as stipulated by its constitution, which also binds all members to adhere to the rules and decisions made by the club.
“The PMC Management has accordingly invoked the disciplinary provisions of the PMC Constitution, so as to allow for proper investigation of the allegations and to secure fairness in the proceedings,” the club noted.
To facilitate the investigation, the disciplinary process has been delegated to a committee chaired by Margaretha Engelbrecht SC, a senior advocate and a member of the club.
“On Tuesday, 17 October 2023, PMC placed Mr Van Rensburg on temporary suspension pending investigation of the charges made against him,” the club confirmed.
Van Rensburg has yet to issue a public statement in response to the mounting backlash. Similarly, an update on Houston was not available when this article was published.