Cyclist killed by alleged drunk driver in Potchefstroom

One cyclist was killed and another injured after they were hit by a motorist in Potchefstroom. It is suspected the person driving the car was drunk.

The cyclists were driven into by a white bakkie on Forsman Street on Wednesday.

Police spokesperson Colonel Adéle Myburgh said the one cyclist was declared dead on the scene while the other is in a stable condition in hospital.

Police officers managed to find the bakkie as the 66-year-old suspect was arriving at his home. 

“Upon inspection of the vehicle, it was found that it was damaged and had blood stains,” said Myburgh.

The suspect was immediately arrested and charged with driving under the influence. They were also charged with culpable homicide and failing to stop after an accident.

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The suspect is expected to appear before the Potchefstroom Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 19 December 2022.

North West police commissioner Lieutenant-General Sello Kwena warned motorists not to drink and drive.

“The police and other law enforcement agencies will not hesitate to enforce the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996) to ensure that those who transgress the law are dealt with accordingly as part of road safety management,” said Kwena.

Man sentenced to six years in jail

The accident comes days after Ishe Davani was sentenced to six years in jail for killing cyclist Steven Preston.

Preston died after being hit by a car while cycling in Fourways, Johannesburg, in June 2020.

Davani pleaded guilty to culpable homicide and driving under the influence of alcohol.

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