Biker stabbed and robbed
MIDRAND - A mountain biker narrowly escaped with his life on New Year's day when two people stabbed and robbed him with knives. Filip Rafalski told Midrand Reporter that he is glad to be alive.
“I was attacked with knives, I learnt first hand that criminals have no respect for life. They would have killed me if Selina Tshona and others had not screamed and scared off the attackers.”
Rafalski had been riding alone at the time of the attack on Village Road in Blue Hills at 7am. He said he wants to make people aware of the attack as there are many cyclists and riders in that area. “My story could save someone else’s life.”
One of the women who screamed and confronted the attackers is Selina Tshona. Tshona said she doesn’t know what made her so brave. “I was outside my room when I heard a man scream ‘don’t kill me.’ I called other people who were in the rooms to go and investigate the commotion with me. We saw a man and a teenage boy attack Rafalski with knives. I thought they would kill me. I screamed and shouted until the attackers ran away with the bike.”
Rafalski would like to thank Tshona for her courage, “I can still hear her scream that saved my life. I want to also thank Andrew Dicks and his wife for taking me to their home and attending to my wounds, and doctor Karol Kozaczynski for stitching my face.”
He said he reported the matter to Midrand police. He emphasised, “More safety measures have to be taken so that cyclists and other road users feel safe.”
Rafalski is offering a R10 000 reward for his bike. Anyone with information can contact him at filipraf@mweb.co.za
