Family and friends are mourning the passing of a Pretoria cyclist who dedicated his time by donating bikes to underprivileged communities. Gert Vermeulen (57) was shot dead during an armed robbery while cycling with two other people on a trail in Mnandi, near Olievenhoutbosch, on Saturday morning. Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo said a case of armed robbery and murder has been opened. ALSO READ: Supercop remembered for his bravery “It is reported that the three victims were cycling in Centurion on Saturday, October 16, at approximately 08:00, when they were attacked by about five unknown males. The suspects fired shots at the deceased and robbed him of his bicycle before running away from the crime scene,” Masondo said. ALSO READ: Sunday Spoil: White chocolate semifreddo The suspects are still on the run. Vermeulen served his time donating bikes with his friend Nicolai van der Merwe, which inspired them to start a charitable organisation called “BOMB Centurion”, in 2013. “The modus operandi of BOMB was to build bicycles from parts collected as donations. We did this for a few months and managed to donate a bike per month, on average,” Van der Merwe posted on Elephants, Rhinos & People NPO page. ALSO READ:Residents encouraged to venture into business The organisation later rebranded into #BIKES4ERP in 2015. “Gert Vermeulen dedicated so much of his time to donate bikes to underprivileged communities. So incredibly sad and ironic that he was killed for his bicycle. Please have a look at #BIKES4ERP and support if you can,” Van der Merwe said. Jackie Bedeker posted on Facebook: “Most of their videos have also been produced by Gert. A man of many talents. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and so many communities that he has served.” Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram