The death of a cyclist while riding his bike in Edenvale CBD is a stern reminder of the need for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to be cognisant of others on the road.
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The 49-year-old Tchika Nkoma was killed on April 27 on Van Riebeeck Avenue.
His part-time employer and Glendower resident Mark Berkowitz has since called on road users to be cautious at all times.
It is believed Nkoma fell off his bicycle on Riebeeck Avenue near the intersection with Second Street at approximately 16:20.
According to Berkowitz, Nkoma was struck by a Fidelity vehicle. His bicycle wasn’t damaged.
Charnel Hattingh, head of group marketing and communications of Fidelity Services Group, said the cyclist suffered fatal injuries.
She said a Fidelity Cash Solutions vehicle was travelling on Van Riebeeck Avenue when a cyclist was riding in front of the vehicle.
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“We understand the vehicle passed the cyclist who fell off his bike. He went underneath the vehicle and sustained fatal injuries,” said Hattingh.
The case was handed over to the SAPS.
“We are shocked and saddened by this very unfortunate accident,” she said.
Although Hattingh said the driver was cleared of wrongdoing, Edenvale SAPS corporate communications commutation officer Warrant Officer Jacob Mashile told the Bedfordview and Edenvale NEWS that police are investigating a case of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving.
CEO of Fidelity Services group Wahl Bartmann said the incident was witnessed by an eyewitness and officers in a nearby SAPS vehicle.
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Mashile said he could not confirm whether police members had witnessed the incident.
He added that allegations that the deceased was under the influence will be determined by post-mortem results yet to be released.
Remembering Nkoma
Nkoma hailed from Malawi and worked in South Africa so that he could sustain his wife and five children.
“Tchika worked for us occasionally. Our relationship goes back a long way,” said Berkowitz.
“Everyone I contacted only had good things to say about Tchika. He was very punctual, professional and pleasant person.”
Berkowitz said Nkoma was extremely dedicated to his work and would always do his best.
He planned to return to Malawi in August.
Berkowitz told the NEWS he was informed of another incident where a cyclist was knocked over on April 30 in Kempton Park.
He believed the biggest problem is that people are not aware of other road users, specifically pedestrians and cyclists.
Berkowitz said more campaigns are needed to educate the community on road safety.
“The consequences of these accidents are far-reaching. It isn’t one person who has died, an entire family which Tchika supported has been affected. He came here to earn better to support his family.”
Although Nkoma’s body was only removed at 21:00, he said Edenvale’s head of visible policing was incredibly polite and professional.
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A request for comment was sent to Edenvale SAPS corporate communication commutation officer Warrant Officer Jacob Mashile on April 3.
Mashile acknowledged receipt of the request and said he would provide information on April 4.
On April 5 a second inquiry was made with Mashile who informed the NEWS he was still obtaining all necessary information.
