The young cyclist whose spine was injured in a hit-and-run accident on the R301 last Wednesday (29 March), says he is doing well and on the hunt for the reckless motorcyclist still roaming free.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Khanyiso Plaatjies (24) told Paarl Post<\/span> he was released from hospital and is patiently riding out his recovery with a neck brace at home which, according to his doctor, should last at least six weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Last Thursday, the Cape Winelands Cycling group initially launched the manhunt in solidarity with the training cyclist, who could have easily been killed the day before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The incident was reported around 14:00 near the Drakenstein Correctional Centre on the thoroughfare en route to Paarl from Franschhoek. It is alleged the motorcyclist fled the scene before authorities had a chance to interview all those involved in the accident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plaatjies explained he was ramping uphill on the road\u2019s yellow line when he noticed the motorcyclist behind him who apparently lost control of his motorbike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe bumped me on my lower back, swerved and pushed me off the road. Following the impact I must have rolled three times before coming to a standstill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWell, he obviously managed to regain control of his bike and sped away from the scene.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Luckily, Plaatjies added, two women travelling not far behind witnessed the entire accident individually and came to his rescue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe woman driving behind me continued driving when she saw that the biker was fleeing the scene and followed him. She managed to track him down and get a picture of the man\u2019s motorbike and licence plate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA second woman, who happened to be a private paramedic, also stopped to assist. She helped me keep my spine in a neutral position until the paramedics, whom she had called, could reach the scene.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plaatjies was happy to share that \u201cI\u2019m fine! My spine is sore and stiff in the mornings when I get out of bed, or after sitting too long. But soon enough I\u2019m warmed up and able to move.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said he was busy training for the Western Cape Championships road race when so traumatically interrupted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe championship track and competition dates still have to be determined, so I\u2019m not sure whether I\u2019ll be able to train and regain my strength before the championship\u2019s kick-off.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n To top it off his bicycle, worth between R60 000 and R70 000, was seriously damaged and is sadly not insured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhether I get a new bicycle or have this one fixed, the costs will be roughly the same,\u201d he pointed out. \u201cSo I may as well look to getting a new one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plaatjies hopes he will be able to compete, but fully intends to heed his doctor\u2019s advice to rest and fully recover before mounting his saddle again. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He is studying Data Science and is currently self-employed by repairing cell phones, computers and other devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n According to the spokesperson for Paarl police, Captain Louise du Plessis, a case of reckless and negligent driving is being investigated. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe suspect is urged to hand himself over to Paarl police for questioning while the matter is being reviewed by the court prosecutor,\u201d Du Plessis said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anybody with more information about the accident is asked to report it to Paarl police by calling 021 807 4000.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The young cyclist whose spine was injured in a hit-and-run accident on the R301 last Wednesday (29 March), says he is doing well and on the hunt for the reckless motorcyclist still roaming 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