Cyclists’ deaths renew calls for justice and safer roads
The Pedal Power Association has renewed calls for justice after the recent court victory in the case of cyclist Veven Naidoo.
UMDLOTI cyclist Wessel van Dyk’s death comes as the Pedal Power Association (PPA) continues to call for urgent reform of South Africa’s justice system in cases involving cyclists killed or seriously injured on the country’s roads.
Related story:
Van Dyk was struck by a vehicle while cycling on a popular 5km beachfront training route on July 25. He was reportedly hit head-on by a vehicle allegedly travelling on the wrong side of the road.
The association has pointed to the recent dismissal of an appeal by a motorist convicted over the death of cyclist Veven Naidoo as an important step towards accountability.
Naidoo, 47, died in February 2023 after being struck by a vehicle while cycling on the M4 between Sibaya and uMhlanga shortly before 05:00.
The driver, Giuliano Contu, pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and failing to render assistance after an accident in May 2024 and was sentenced to six years in prison.
“The PPA thanks the NPA in Durban for seeking justice on behalf of Veven Naidoo’s family, and the cycling community,” said CEO of the PPA, Neil Robinson.
Contu later appealed the sentence, but the Durban High Court dismissed the appeal, meaning he must begin serving his sentence.
PPA CEO Neil Robinson said the association continued to advocate for competent policing, thorough crime-scene investigations, a properly resourced National Prosecuting Authority and sentences that fit the crime.
The PPA is also calling for quicker investigations into vehicle-versus-cyclist crashes, specialised SAPS training and stricter bail and sentencing conditions for repeat or high-risk traffic offenders.
“The PPA will continue to advocate for competent policing that is meticulous in its crime scene evidence gathering processes, an NPA which is properly resourced, and punishment which fits the crime,’’ said Robinson.
The organisation has urged the public, cycling communities and the media to attend upcoming court appearances involving cycling-related crashes in support of victims and their families.
For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook ,X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here
