A 42-year-old man has been granted R5 000 bail after being charged with culpable homicide following a hit-and-run that claimed the life of teen cyclist Lilitha Lombo in Somerset West.

The suspect appeared in the Somerset West Magistrates’ Court on Monday 5 October and is due back in court on Monday 14 December.

The 16-year-old was training with the Khaltsha Development Academy team on Tuesday 29 September, near the circle of Steynsrust Dam around 16:00, when the collision took place.

ALSO READ: “Training session turns tragic: Cyclist (16) killed in Somerset West,” 1 October.

According to a statement from the Khayelitsha based cycling club the young cyclists riding with her witnessed the crash, which involved an e-hailing vehicle.

It said initital attempts to get the driver to stop were unsuccessful. After his vehicle finally stopped the passengers that were in it returned to the scene and assisted.

One of them contacted Khaltsha to convey what she had witnessed and agreed to provide a formal statement to police and was cooperating with the investigation.

Culpable-homicide charge

Khaltsha passed the information on to the police, who called up the e-hailing trip record identifying the vehicle and driver, including vehicle-registration details and video footage.

ALSO READ: “Lilitha’s last ride: Cycling club calls for justice, road safety after teen death,” 2 October.

Somerset West police are investigating a case of culpable homicide. “We welcome the fact that the matter has been formally registered and [the police] is investigating it,” the club said. “We want a thorough and impartial investigation in which all available evidence and witness accounts are properly considered.

“We are cooperating fully with [the police], but we will continue to follow up because Lilitha’s family and our community deserve answers and justice.”

The club further called for the perpetrator to be brought to book. “The person responsible should cooperate fully with the authorities and the full circumstances of what happened must be established,” it said.

“We are asking for accountability through the proper legal process. We are not asking for justice outside the law. We are asking that the evidence be properly investigated and the appropriate legal process follows.”

The club also called for shared responsibility: “Authorities need to ensure road infrastructure, traffic management and enforcement adequately protect vulnerable road users.

“Motorists need to recognise that cyclists have a right to use the road; that safe speeds, patience, awareness and safe passing can make the difference between someone arriving home safely and a family receiving devastating news.

“Cyclists and cycling organisations also have a responsibility to promote safe riding and educate riders. Ultimately, we need a culture in which getting somewhere a few minutes faster is never treated as more important than another person’s life.”

The club has welcomed constructive engagement with the relevant authorities about the safety of cycling routes in Somerset West and other areas where cyclists train.

Exercise due care

“What we can say is that routes regularly used by cyclists, particularly young riders training in groups, require motorists to exercise care and awareness.”

Furthermore, the club community is remembering Lilitha for her life and potential rather than the tragic circumstances of her death, emphasising she should be celebrated for the young person she was and the possibilities she represented.

Lilitha and her twin sister, Linomtha, joined the cycling academy last year, after being inspired by watching a fellow graduate compete in the Tour de France, which sparked their belief in finding their own paths through the sport.

Though still discovering her place, developing her capacity and realising her aspirations, Lilitha was actively training, growing as a cyclist and becoming a meaningful part of the team.

The club vowed to carry her memory forward, ensuring she is remembered as a cherished daughter, sister, friend and champion whose dreams and life mattered far beyond the tragedy of her passing.

Isaac Sileku, provincial mobilty minister, welcomed the arrest: “I sincerely thank the witnesses who came forward with important information to assist the investigation. Your courage has made a difference and will help justice take its course.”