Motorist flees accident scene at Swartkoppies Road, Kliprivier Drive intersection
Saying goodbye to a lifestyle the Jansen's lived for.
The family of Clyde Jansen is looking for the man who caused his motorcycle accident on April 4 at the intersection of Swartkoppies Road and Kliprivier Drive.
The Jansen family’s beloved husband, father and grandfather is in the high care unit of the Netcare Union Hospital in Alberton.
The RECORD spoke to his wife about his injuries and the day of the accident.
The accident
Jana told the RECORD she drove behind Clyde on her motorcycle when the accident happened.
“We were on our way to Panorama Flea Market when a motorist driving in a white Kia hit him and drove away. The Kia driver was driving from Panorama Flea Market’s side, turning onto Swartkoppies Road towards Kibler Park.
“After I saw what happened, I ran to Clyde and I thought he was dead because, to be honest, it did not look good.
“The accident kept playing in my head like a video, over and over,” Jana said.
She said emergency personnel rushed Clyde to the hospital in a critical condition.
“We can only thank God for saving his life and putting the right people at the accident scene. You all know who you are.”
Jana mentioned that no police arrived on the scene and she had to go to the Mondeor SAPS to open a case.
“I just can’t believe how this person, who almost killed my husband, just fled the accident scene,” she said.
“The driver changed our lives forever. We both decided to hang up our helmets for now. How does one say goodbye to a lifestyle you lived for.”
Clyde has been a biker most of his life, and he was part of the Vaalside Crusaders Biker Club for three years.
A long road to recovery
Clyde broke his right wrist, thumb, middle finger, nose and left thigh.
The nerves in his left arm were damaged so badly he is only able to move some of his fingers. He also sustained injuries to his face.
Jana told the RECORD that Clyde also fractured cartilage in his vocal cords (larynx or trachea).
“Doctors did a tracheostomy, which is a medical procedure that involves creating an opening in the neck to place a tube into a person’s windpipe. The tube is inserted through a cut in the neck below the vocal cords. This allows air to enter the lungs.”
So when Clyde wants to speak with his family, he needs to cover the tube in his neck.
“Even with everything that has happened, Clyde is still positive and hopeful. He is severely injured but together we will take baby steps to get him up and going. We as a family wish him a speedy recovery, even though the road might seem long.”
No income
Clyde and Jana reside in Vereeniging. Jana works in Oaklands, Johannesburg, while Clyde runs a panel beating business from home.
“Due to his injuries, he is unable to work and it is causing a lot of financial stress because he also needs to pay his workers so they can provide for their families. We are now in a situation of no work no pay,” Jana explained.
Looking for the Kia driver
“If anyone has information that can lead us to the driver of the Kia or if the driver wants to come forward so we can find a solution, please contact Riaan on 082 481 3101 or send an email to f[email protected],” she said.
