The Pedal Power Association (PPA) is renewing its call for urgent reform across South Africa’s justice system as three cyclist crash cases head into critical legal phases.

The call comes after the Durban High Court confirmed a six-year prison sentence for a driver who crashed into a cyclist on the M4 in Durban and fled the scene.

Conviction confirmed

The Durban High Court has turned down the appeal of Giuliano Contu, confirming his six-year sentence for culpable homicide. In 2024, Contu was sentenced after crashing into cyclist Veven Naidoo along the M4 and fleeing the scene. Naidoo died from severe head injuries.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Durban formally notified the PPA that the appeal was dismissed, requiring Contu to begin serving his sentence immediately.

“The PPA wishes to thank the NPA in Durban for seeking justice on behalf of Veven Naidoo’s family and the cycling community,” said PPA CEO, Neil Robinson.

Three cases still before the courts

Kerry Grundlingh (21), a Princeton student and rower, was struck by a vehicle while training with her father on a cycle lane in the Cradle of Humankind in July 2025. Despite contradictory evidence uncovered by a family-appointed attorney, local police initially resisted opening an investigation. Following a subpoena, the docket was submitted to the NPA at the Roodepoort Court to determine whether the driver will face charges.

“There has been no response from the authorities with regard to charges. The PPA will continue to support her family in their effort to find justice for Kerry,” said Robinson.

Idries Sheriff (41) was struck head-on by a BMW driver who crossed onto the opposite side of Victoria Road in Camps Bay during a training ride on 16 December 2025. The driver, Bongani Mthethwa, was arrested at the scene and charged with culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving and driving under the influence. He was released on R15 000 bail. After multiple postponements, Mthethwa is set to return to the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on 14 August.

“There need to be consequences for unlawful actions on our roads,” said Robinson.

Landon la Grange (61) died in April 2026 when a minibus taxi illegally overtook vehicles into the oncoming lane. The driver, Siyabonga Myabalala, was not arrested at the scene and was charged weeks later. He is facing a culpable homicide charge and has not yet entered a plea. He briefly appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 28 July, but the case was postponed until 13 October as his lawyer was absent.

Monitoring and advocacy

The PPA has appointed legal monitoring over the Idries Sheriff case and is working alongside investigating officers at Camps Bay Police and other jurisdictions on all the pending cases.

The PPA’s advocacy has drawn support from parliamentary leaders including Ian Cameron of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee for Policing and Nicholas Gotsell, an MP in the National Council of Provinces representing the Western Cape. Both have joined calls for accountability within police and the NPA.

Calls for reform

The PPA and its partners are calling for:

• Immediate NPA action: clear, swift prosecutorial decisions on pending dockets, specifically regarding the driver responsible for Kerry Grundlingh’s crash in the Cradle of Humankind.
• Stricter bail and sentencing: a review of lenient bail terms for repeat or high-risk traffic offenders involving loss of life.
• Prioritised police investigations: specialised training and prompt handling of vehicle-versus-cyclist crime scenes to prevent evidence from being overlooked.
• Members of the public, cycling communities and media representatives are encouraged to attend the upcoming court appearances.

“The PPA will continue to advocate for harsher sentencing and proper investigations and support from the NPA as we seek justice for all cyclists killed on our roads,” said Robinson.

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