A motorist, who was possibly linked to the hit-and-run incident that claimed a Pretoria cyclist’s life at the end of January, was taken into custody after a warrant for his arrest was issued.

The deceased, John Young (48), was hit by a Silver Toyota Hilux double cab in Pretoria near the traffic lights on the corner of Steve Biko Road and De Beer Street at around 06:00 on Sunday, January 30.

The investigating officer, Warrant Officer Lourens Lemmer, arrested the 24-year-old suspect on Wednesday, April 6, in Mamelodi.

The suspect faces charges of culpable homicide.

“The suspect is due to appear in the Pretoria North regional court on Thursday, April 14 where the suspect will apply for bail.

“The man has been in custody since his arrest,” he said.

Lemmer added that at first, they did not have much information available regarding the incident, but they urged anyone with information to come forward.

He said that a woman, who resides opposite a school in Villieria, noticed a suspicious-looking car spotted outside her home and a security company was called.

“The security officers found a man sleeping inside the vehicle who was apparently under the influence of alcohol.

“The resident later visited a police station to have documents certified when she mentioned the man to the officers. An officer, who was part of the investigation team, overheard the conversation and drew the right conclusions,” he said.

The registration number of the vehicle was used to locate the owner’s address, but the car and the suspect were nowhere to be found.

“The vehicle belongs to the suspect’s mother, but she died in December.

“There was no address or contact number available for him,” said Lemmer.

“It later came to light that the man was wanted for assault and that he was supposed to appear in the Mamelodi magistrate’s court on Wednesday, but he did not show up. A warrant for his arrest was issued.”

Lemmer said that as they left the court, a bystander informed them of the man’s whereabouts and that they would take them to where the suspect is situated.

The deceased’s father, Johnny Young, said they were grateful for Lemmer for his prompt action.

“His actions gave me hope for our police again. Within two months, they found out everything in detail and located the man.

“I am eternally grateful to them because we can soon deal with this sadness and put it behind us. Our longing will always be there, but we forgive the man because that is exactly what Jesus would do,” he said.

On the morning of Young’s death, the family were on their way to church when they received a phone call from Young’s wife, Elmari, to inform them that their son was involved in a hit-and-run incident.

Young was an employee at Citi Protection security company for over 10 years.