The driver of the vehicle that allegedly hit two cyclists over the weekend, causing one’s death, was released without being charged this week.

Early Saturday morning, January 29, Andre Piehl and Jean Francois du Preez were cycling on the R512 in Lanseria when the vehicle crashed into them.

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A statement from Netcare 911 said paramedics responded to the collision at about 06:36.

“Reports indicate that two cyclists were struck down by the driver of a luxury SUV.”

Medics found that one of the cyclists, Piehl, had been dragged under the car for 400m, and sadly showed no signs of life. He was declared deceased on the scene.

The second cyclist had gone through the windscreen of the vehicle and sustained critical injuries. He required advanced life support interventions to be stabilised before he was transported to a specialist hospital by the Netcare 911 helicopter.

The statement also said authorities were on scene.

On Monday, January 31 the team from Harrington Johnson Wands Attorneys revealed in a statement that they had been approached by the families to assist.

By way of further update in this matter, we are absolutely devastated to report that the suspect was released from detention this morning (Monday). Despite being arrested at the scene of the accident, and several eyewitness reports suggesting that the suspect was under the influence of drugs and/ or alcohol.”

The statement said they understood that prosecutors at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court declined to place the matter on the roll due to insufficient evidence in the police docket.

“We are at a loss in understanding this apparent lack of evidence and would like to take the opportunity to assure the cycling community, as well as the wider public, that we are exercising all of our resources to ensure that justice is obtained for both Andre and Jean.”

They also explained that this did not mean that the case was closed or the charges withdrawn, but that the right evidence was not presented to the prosecutor who was meant to hear the bail application.

The firm asked that anyone who has any information about the incident or had witnessed it please contact them at megan@hjw.co.za

Piehl, operations executive within the leading brands portfolio of JSE-listed Famous Brands, had been with Famous Brands for almost 15 years and held various managerial and executive roles across several of the group’s brands.

The group – which owns fast food brands Steers, Fishaways and Debonairs – confirmed the news of his passing in a company newsletter.

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