Hit-and-run mystery
FOURWAYS – Doug Ryder, of cycling Team Dimension Data, has urged road users to be more respectful of one another when using the road.
This comes after Hugo Mendes, a cyclist, was injured in a hit-and-run on 14 December. According to his wife Carla, Mendes was cycling on Witkoppen Road when he was hit at the intersection of Witkoppen and Kingfisher roads at about 8.15pm.
The Mendes family has since made a plea to the public for assistance in finding the suspect. “If enough people read about this maybe someone will have the courage to come forward,” she said.
Carla commended the paramedics who helped Mendes at the scene, and staff from Picolino’s Rollaways Restaurant who also assisted.
Hugo sustained injuries to his pelvis, bowel and also had internal bleeding, “He has no recollection of the actual accident, and so far no one has come forward,” she explained.
Mendes was discharged from Riverfield Rehabilitation Centre on 15 January.
Ryder said, “Safety is a big thing and, unfortunately, South African roads aren’t designed for cyclists.” He urged cyclists to ride in clubs or in groups as it increased the chance of a suspect being brought to justice should an accident occur.
According to Ryder, many hit-and-run suspects are able to get away with the crime as nobody witnesses the incident. “If you are on your own, you are in trouble.”
He also added that the late response time of the authorities usually meant that witnesses with vital information had left the scene.
Warrant officer, Balan Muthan, head of communication of Douglasdale Police Station, explained that the response time of the police varied depending on the seriousness of the accident. “Although accidents are a Metro police function, the average response time is five minutes.”
According to Edna Mamonyane, spokesperson of Metro police, the average response time to an accident was 10 to 15 minutes and was dependent on the availability of officers, weather, and the location of the accident. “Metro police will always prioritise an accident and drop other responsibilities,” she assured.
Muthan confirmed that a case of reckless and negligent driving has been opened at Douglasdale Police Station.
If you have any information on the accident, please contact the police or the Mendes family.
Details: Carla Mendes 082 428 8050; Warrant Officer Balan Muthan 082 319 9762.
Also read:
Hit and run leaves man in critical condition
Taxi driver surrenders after hit-and-run accident
Biker dead after N1 hit-and-run
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