A 16-year-old cyclist was struck and killed in a hit-and-run while training with her team on Steynsrust Road in Somerset West on Monday 29 September, prompting Western Cape minister for Mobility Isaac Sileku to call for a swift and thorough investigation.
Lilitha Lombo from the Khaltsha Cycles Development Club was hit by a vehicle whose driver fled the scene. Somerset West police has opened a case of culpable homicide.
DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette approached the provincial police for comment but had not received a response at the time of publishing.
“Leaving the scene of a crash is unacceptable, particularly one in which a young person has lost her life,” said Sileku. “We call on [the police] to conduct a swift and thorough investigation, and ensure that whoever is responsible is held accountable.”
Sileku extended heartfelt condolences to Lilitha’s mother, Lomna Wele, her family and friends, as well as Sindile Mavundla and the entire Khaltsha club community. “This tragedy is a painful reminder that road safety must be taken seriously by every road user,” he said. “Reckless driving can destroy families and take away young lives with so much potential.”
He called on road users to work together to make roads safer for everyone, especially cyclists and other vulnerable road users. “Those who break the law and put lives at risk must face the consequences,” he said.
A crowdfunding campaign has been started to assist Lilitha’s family with funeral arrangements. Donations can be made at givengain.com/event/in-memory-of-lilitha-lombo-10988.
The incident was preceded by another fatal crash just two days earlier, on Sunday 27 September at about 05:30, when two men were cycling to work on the R102 (Strand Road), and were struck by a silver-grey Hyundai i10. Both were declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel.
Kleinvlei police have registered two counts of culpable homicide and the circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.
The safe-cycling campaign Stay Wider of the Rider, an initiative of the Pedal Power Association (PPA), has expressed condolences following the two incidents that claimed the lives of three cyclists this week. In a Facebook post, the campaign extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and said the PPA would follow both cases closely and work with the police to help bring justice to the bereaved families, noting that so many tragic and unnecessary deaths on the roads demand action.
