FOLLOW-UP: Cyclists fearful but determined to enjoy their sport

Sitting in a quiet corner in the Broodblik en Koffiepit tea garden, Bapsfontein, avid cyclist Andrew Miller recalls how he and his partner, Jenece Rowe, fell victim to a bike-jacking on November 18.

The incident happened minutes before the tragic murder of beloved Hoërskool Birchleigh teacher and Benoni resident Heinrich Hamm.

Miller, along with 129 cyclists, kicked up some dust as they participated in the first annual Broodblik FAST Challenge, presented by Stofpad Events, on December 2 which consisted of 10km, 20km, 40km and 70km rides.

Event organiser Sarel van den Berg said that many entrants had withdrawn from the race out of fear of the increased violent bike-jackings in the area.

“Riders are scared. A sport which has for many years given them great pleasure is now being marred by violent criminality,” said Van den Berg.

“Following the most recent incident, which has tragically led to the death of a member of our fraternity, CMS graciously offered their full support for this event.

“Patrollers were stationed throughout the route while others followed ensuring everyone’s safety thus, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the event. All rides were completed without incident.”

Miller said although he has been left angered by the event which saw him and Rowe falling victim to crime, he was not going to pack in a sport which he has enjoyed for four decades.

“Jenece could not be swayed and opted to not participate today, but I will not surrender to criminals,” said Miller.

Gun
Recounting the events that unfolded on the day of the attack, Miller says that the duo had passed Hamm, his brother-in-law and nephew.

“We often saw them on the route. On the day they had taken the road through the mielie fields while we opted for the quarry road,” he said.

“Jenece and I prefer riding alone and have spoken extensively about what we should do if we found ourselves staring down the barrel of a gun.”

According to Miller, he heard a vehicle approaching from behind.

“A white Avanza was driving close next to me, I saw the passenger raising a gun, before the vehicle swerved causing me to fall,” he said.

“As I fell I shouted a warning at Jenece. She immediately lay down. I was assaulted before they made off on our bikes.”

He alerted passing trucks of the events that had just transpired.

“They pursued the suspects, who had been stopped at the T-junction by patrolling EMPD officers,” he said.

“Moments later the shots rang out. Heinrich and his family had come under fire, allegedly by another group also travelling in an Avanza, operating under the same modus operandi. The events of that day were unbelievable.”

Fear
The smell of freshly baked bread filled the storefront of the Broodblik, as Adele Bester happily served riders and their families who had converged at her establishment post-race.

“This is the busiest we have been in two weeks,” said Bester, who has been in business since 2001.

“On average, we serve between 100 to 150 cyclists on a Saturday and Sunday. But since Heinrich’s murder, we’d be lucky if a dozen cyclists came through the door.”

Bester says her establishment has for the past 22 years become a halfway stop for the cycling community.

“They would stop in, have a coffee and something to eat before heading back home,” she said.

“Over the weekend, the garden would erupt in conversation and laughter. But that has been overshadowed by fear and loss, it is sad to see a vibrant community being ripped apart in such a manner.”

Shortly after finishing the race mother and daughter Shannon and Moya Bass, said that as new riders they were fearful of riding in what is now regarded as a criminal hotspot.

“We love cycling and the freedom of the sport, but we are scared every time our wheels hit the dirt,” said Shannon.

“Something drastically needs to be done to better police the area.”

Security
Lakefield residents Gregg Robertson and Grant Provan said that cycling has become extremely dangerous.

“When we ride on the road we risk being run over, yet when we traverse on the dirt tracks we risk being shot or killed,” said Gregg.

“At this stage, we are being advised to not ride in groups of less than 10 but ultimately we need authorities to step up and protect us against lawless gun-wielding criminals.”

Realising that cyclist safety may rest with the riding community, Miller says that local riders are sharing ideas about how to improve security along this popular route.

“I will not surrender my sport. I will not let feelings of fear or helplessness force me to throw in the towel,” he said.

“We have some good ideas and will hopefully implement them at the beginning of next year.”

He says that it will take some time, patience and intensive counselling before Rowe will join him on rides again.

At the time of publication, no further comment had been received from the EMPD.

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