The South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport (“SAIDS”) imposed the following sanctions during October 2025:
Samuel Matsepe
Athletics South Africa (ASA) | Ten (10) Month Sanction
Following an In-Competition test conducted on Samuel Matsepe (the “Athlete”) at the 2025 Benoni Northerns Marathon event held on 13 April 2025, the Athlete tested positive for the presence of 5-methylhexan-2-amine (1,4-dimethylpentylamine) in his Sample.
In terms of the World Anti-Doping Code Prohibited List 2025, 5-methylhexan-2-amine (1,4-dimethylpentylamine) is a Specified Substance, classified under Category S6.B (Specified Stimulants), which are prohibited In-Competition.
Pursuant to Article 10.6.1.2 of the ADR, where an Athlete or Person can establish both No Significant Fault or Negligence, and that the detected Prohibited Substance (other than a Substance of Abuse) came from a Contaminated Product, then the period of Ineligibility shall be, at a minimum, a reprimand and no period of Ineligibility, and at a maximum, two (2) years of Ineligibility, depending on the Athlete’s or other Person’s degree of Fault. In this matter, the Athlete identified the possible source of his adverse analytical finding (AAF), that being the use of his supplement, named Venom HD manufactured by HD Laboratories. SAIDS sent three (3) different batched containers of Venom HD for testing and all 3 returned positive results for the banned substance. The Athlete successfully met the criteria pursuant to a Contaminated Product.
The Athlete’s period of Ineligibility is 10 months which commenced on 22 October 2025 (the date of the Written Decision) with a credit for the period of Provisional Suspension observed by the Athlete since 9 June 2025. The Athlete may return to competition on 9 April 2026.