As family, friends and members of the bikers community across Southern Africa mourn the loss of Wonderboy Hleza (49), questions still remain about the circumstance of his death.
After being missing for nine days police search teams on Thursday afternoon found his body along with his motorcycle on a slope in Du Toits Kloof pass.
On Monday morning Thulas Ntuli, a close friend and spokesperson for the family told TygerBurger the circumstances of his death are “very strange”.
“The road next to the slope where his body was found, was not very curvy and as an experienced biker one would not think that he lost control of the bike. There is also poles on the side of the road that would have prevented a him from going over the edge We also couldn’t find any brake marks and at this stage there is nothing to indicate that it was an accident.”
However, Ntuli said they are waiting on the police to conclude the investigation that will include an accident reconstruction done by police experts.
Police spokesperson Captain Frederick van Wyk confirmed that an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances of his death had been opened. Police is currently awaiting the results of a post mortem.
Hleza was last seen by his wife when he left his home in Sonkring, Brackenfell on 26 April.
He was to travel to Worcester to get a temporary driver’s license after being robbed the day before from his wallet containing his license. CCTV cameras outside Uitsig Spar in Kraaifontein last captured him where he withdrew money at an ATM and then rode in the direction of Malmesbury.
A husband, father of five and one of five siblings Hleza was the pillar of his family, his brother Mandla told TygerBurger on Monday.
“We are all devastated by his death. He was a very gentle person, funny and humble. He got along with everybody, a very loving person who was much loved by his family, friends and everyone he knew.
“He loved his bikes and was an avid biker travelling the continent with his biking mates from ShutUp&Ride,” says Mandla who has since flown back to Mpumalanga to be with their elderly mother.
Hailing from the small town of Pullenshope in Mpumalanga, Hleza moved to Cape Town about 25 years ago from where he managed his business transporting motorcycles across Southern Africa.
On Sunday some 400 bikers came together at the Engen Winelands for a memorial ride to the place where Hleza’s body was found. Flower wreaths were laid in his memory.
A memorial service to celebrate his life is held at the Bikers Church in Brackenfell today (11 May). His funeral service will take place over the coming weekend.
