A 35-year-old cyclist was killed in a tragic accident on Main Road in Claremont on this morning, after being struck by a minibus taxi near Arden Gardens.
According to initial reports, the incident occurred shortly after 09:00 when the cyclist reportedly swerved to avoid a car door that opened suddenly. He fell off his bicycle and landed directly in the path of an oncoming minibus taxi, which was unable to stop in time.
Emergency medical services and traffic police responded swiftly, but the cyclist had already succumbed to his injuries by the time paramedics arrived. The roadway in the direction of Wynberg was temporarily closed while law enforcement officials cordoned off the scene and began their investigation.
“The cyclist was knocked down by a taxi. It’s a tragic thing to see, but at least the taxi didn’t run away,” said an eyewitness who was passing by moments after the incident.
Claremont police have since confirmed the fatality and registered a case of culpable homicide. “Claremont police registered a culpable homicide case following an accident on this morning at about 09:00 in Main Road, Claremont,” said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, provincial police spokesperson. “According to reports, the cyclist swerved for a vehicle door that opened unexpectedly. He fell off the bicycle and landed in front of an oncoming taxi which couldn’t stop in time. The 35-year-old cyclist succumbed to injuries sustained on the scene.”
The driver of the taxi remained on-site and cooperated with police. At this stage, no arrests have been made, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Police have yet to release the identity of the deceased, pending notification of next of kin.
Authorities have urged anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward. Members of the public can contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or submit information anonymously through the MySAPS mobile application.
