SOMERSET WEST – 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 afternoon 29 September, prompting Western Cape Minister 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. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened a case of culpable homicide.
DistrictMail & Helderberg Gazette approached the provincial police media office for comment but had not received a response at the time of going to print.
“Leaving the scene of a crash is unacceptable, particularly one in which a young person has lost her life,” said Sileku. “We call on SAPS 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, and Sindile Mavundla and the entire Khaltsha Cycles 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 adult males 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, has expressed condolences following the two separate 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 SAPS to help bring justice to the bereaved families, noting that so many tragic and unnecessary deaths on the roads demand action.
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