Running world shocked by death of Two Oceans half-marathon champ Mbuleli Mathanga

The South African running community was mourning the death of 2023 Two Oceans half-marathon champion and two-time South African 10 000m champion Mbuleli Mathanga, whose body was found in a house in Ndwedwe, north of Durban, on Thursday. 

The news of his death was confirmed on the social media account of the Two Oceans Marathon.

"It is with deep sadness that we have been notified that our 2023 Half Marathon champion, Mbuleli Mathanga, has passed away this morning. Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, running mates, and Phantane club mates at this deeply challenging time," a statement said on X (formerly known as Twitter). 

It is with deep sadness that we have been notified that our 2023 Half Marathon champion, Mbuleli Mathanga, has passed away this morning.

Our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, running mates, and Phantane club mates at this deeply challenging time pic.twitter.com/f2hTYZikkT

According to Times Live, Mathanga was found hanging by the laces of his running shoes.

Police in Ndwedwe released a statement saying: "It is alleged a man was found hanging from the roof of his girlfriend’s room."

"It is alleged the couple had an argument. The deceased was found hanging from the laces of his running shoes and had an open wound at the back of his head."