SAPS Declares Comrades Marathon Route a No Fly Zone and Will Disable Unauthorised Drones

South Africa’s police and aviation authorities focused on drone enforcement ahead of the 2026 Comrades Marathon, warning that the entire 86 km route would operate as a no-fly zone. The South African Police Service said unauthorized drones would be disabled, later clarifying that counter-drone measures would be used rather than physically shooting drones down. The Comrades Marathon Association reinforced the approach citing aviation law, safety needs, and avoiding interference with emergency operations. Cor van Deventer of Van Deventer Dowlath and Marx Incorporated said the public messaging underscores that regulated drones are treated like aircraft with legal consequences. The article cites Civil Aviation Act and Part 101 rules, including restrictions such as no flying within 50 metres of people or property, no night flying without approval, a 120-metre maximum altitude, and a 10 km airport buffer. It also warns against public attempts to disable drones and highlights potential privacy exposure under POPIA.