A new set of wheels for a victim of crime

Emmarentia resident John Msimuko who was the victim of a street robbery is now a happy man once again.
Five days after purchasing his bicycle that he would use to go to and from work, it was stolen by three men on the trail route along Hillcrest Avenue in Blairgowire on 2 September.

Community Facebook and Whatsapp groups caught wind of the incident and in no time they were able to replace the bicycle and donate money and various items to Msimuko who was extremely grateful. Msimuko said, “I never expected the community to help me out like this but I would like to thank everyone who helped me. They wiped my tears [away] and because of them, I’m now smiling and riding again.”
Like every victim of crime, Msimuko was heartbroken to see something he had worked so hard for being taken away from him.

His employer Ada Randel said, “I felt so sorry for him because he had been saving throughout lockdown to purchase the bike and he had only used it twice before it was stolen. The bike was his main transport to work and he worked really hard to get it.” Randel immediately went onto social media to alert other cyclists of what was taking place in the community and that is when the fortunes of Msimuko started changing.
On 4 September, he received a second-hand bicycle, helmet, R7 000 and other biking accessories. Fellow cycling enthusiast Nick Allen donated the bike and said, “The bike belonged to my wife and we got it reconditioned by putting in new brakes and tires and we are just happy that it’s now going to a good home.”

Msimuko was also able to buy a new bicycle for his child and send money back home to his family. For Msimuko, the traumatic experience of being robbed ended in a tale of unity and support. He concluded, “From deep down in my heart I thank all of you. This is a life-changing experience and I might not be able to repay or thank all of you involved but my family and I appreciate this.”