A number of fans were mugged outside FNB Stadium as they tried to catch rideshares at a nearby Sasol Garage gas station.
Criminals targeted concertgoers, and reports from social media claim that in addition to theft, there were multiple stabbings and attempted rapes.
Read some of the terrifying accounts below.
I've never been so afraid in my life. The fact that we just came from a GLOBAL CITIZEN concert and now we are being mugged and chased for our phones is beyond me. That was traumatic. I'm glad we got home safely though.
— Katlego Mogaladi (@katmogaladi) December 3, 2018
Post #GlobalCitizenFestivalSA was really hectic. We didn't even stay for 5 minutes at Sasol and we were already running. Possessions were stolen. People were stabbed. I think I saw them try to hijack a motorcycle too💀. I've never held my little sister that tight.
— Mwelakhe Zbedu (@Zweli_Mbedu) December 3, 2018
Guys! We are huddled at Sasol garage and its so fucking dangerous. Groups of tsotsi's run towards the crowds to cause commotion and then grab people's shit and taunt them. Everyone so scared and them literally laughing and enjoying the chaos
— spiceboy juggernaut 🌈 (@wittnsass) December 2, 2018
I legit saw thugs trying to rape a young lady at the Sasol. The screams were harrowing, her boyfriend tried to fight the guys off, luckily a crowd of men were able to help them quickly enough.
— Zweli Mbhele 🇿🇦 (@TheZweli) December 3, 2018
Sorry in going on about this but wow I can't believe what was happening. Shaking.
People who were at Sasol Garage after Global Citizen, can we please find each other and have a support group.
— mfaz'omnyama. (@mfazomnyama_) December 3, 2018
Everyone who waited for an Uber at sasol garage after #GlobalCitizen and survived is a literal war veteran
— Denzel 🌙🌹 (@ungoverened) December 3, 2018
Guys We almost died after #GlobaCitizenFestivalSA (At Sasol Garage) - it was a mess, people were getting robbed, they were stampedes and apparent guns.
— Lasizwe (@lasizwe) December 2, 2018
I can't even comment on how amazing #GlobaCitizenFestival was because of the traumatic experience I experienced at the Sasol Garage trying to get home after #GlobalCitezenFestivalSA ! -
— Lasizwe (@lasizwe) December 3, 2018
FULL VIDEO LINK : https://t.co/HQnIkN8pHC pic.twitter.com/W2ijUOctBt
I had to get my Uber from SASOL garage were literally hundreds of people were huddled around waiting to fetch a ride or get a lift. Witnessed two robberies in the 8min I was there & I wish I was exaggerating. #GlobalCitizenFestivalSA
— Londeka (@Londeka_ml) December 2, 2018
A spokesperson for Global Citizen has since issued a statement that reads: "We are deeply disturbed by the reports of criminal activity against festival guests as they tried to leave the venue last night. The safety of our guests is always paramount and we understand and empathise with their concern and anger. The South African Police has made a statement to request that all victims file reports with them, which we strongly encourage. There will be more details to follow."
The event honoured the 100th anniversary of Nelson Mandela's birth and raised a total of more than $7 billion USD in worldwide fundraising commitments. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pledged $50 million CAD to the Education Cannot Wait campaign.
The lineup of performers included Usher, Pharrell Williams and Coldplay's Chris Martin, as well as Femi Kuti, Kacey Musgraves, Eddie Vedder, Ed Sheeran and headliners JAY-Z and Beyoncé.
The whole livestream clocked in at almost 10 hours in length, and you can watch it all below.
