UPDATE: Charges provisionally withdrawn for M4 cyclist’s death

Bright placards for road cycling safety lined the outside of the Verulam Magistrates Court on Monday as members of the South Africans Against Drunk Driving (SADD), the Pedal Power Association and family members protested against the recent death of a cyclist on the M4 earlier this year.

On Sunday, January 20 a minibus taxi drove into a group of cyclists on the M4 south bound just before the M27 Umdloti off-ramp.

Durban cyclist Craig Diedericks died in hospital, while two other cyclists, Senzo Memela and Takashi Yaegashi, were also injured.

The culpable homicide charges against the driver were provisionally withdrawn during his second court appearance on Monday.

The North Coast’s M4 has for many years been a popular route for avid cyclists, be it for training or long weekend rides, but the safety of local cyclists using this stretch of road is continuously brought into question following multiple accidents, many of which are fatal.

Also read: Cyclists fuming over M4 danger following fatal accident

Founder and Director of SADD, Caro Smit, who took part in the protest said they ask for quick, accurate and thorough investigations for victims to prevent secondary trauma and victimisation for families.

“The case has been withdrawn due to evidence still pending and the postmortem report is not complete,” said Smit.

“Victims do not have the right to their own legal representation, nor do they have the right to compensation and trauma counseling as is afforded to other victims of crime as stipulated in the Victims Charter.

“SADD ask that victims of road crimes get the same rights.”

According to Diederick’s teammate and Durban North resident, Aroon Patel, several members of the Cyclist Specialists Cycling Club were also present at the court to show their support for the Diedericks family.

“We were told the charges were provisionally withdrawn because the postmortem report had not been completed.

“In order for the case to go on the court has to ascertain what the cause of death was. The magistrate added the case investigation was also incomplete and it was decided the case would be withdrawn.

“This is an ongoing battle and we need to bring attention to it. It is deeply frustrating for all of us but we acknowledge it is only a temporary setback.”

According to police, the charges can be reinstated once pending investigations are complete.

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