M4 cyclist who was attacked speaks out
She hopes her story will galvanize the City and local law enforcement to secure the pedestrian walkway.
THE cyclist who was attacked and almost robbed by two men at the Ellis Brown Viaduct’s tower over the uMngeni River has spoken out. The local resident, who did not want to be named, said she hoped her story would get the City as well as law enforcement to make positive strides to fight crime in the area. She was saved by Rinaldo Road businessman, Andy Craig, who chased the attackers away and called for medical assistance.
Since 2015, there have been a number of armed muggings on the walkway (going towards Riverside Road) targeting runners, cyclists and pedestrians a fact the resident said she was aware of.
“I’ve only recently begun cycling. I was aware of previous incidents but I saw other people cycling and it was around 2pm so I thought it’s the middle of the day so it will be safer. As I got to the bridge, I saw the two guys waiting on the side. My gut instinct said something was wrong and I was going quite fast so I figured I could just cycle past them. That’s when one of the men grabbed me, I was struggling to get away and that’s when I felt my ligaments in my knee tear.
“I fought them as much as I could and I screamed for all I was worth. They pushed me down, and one of my attackers began dragging me by my helmet down the stairs. I had terrible pain in my hip which was bruised badly. I kept thinking I was done for that I was going to die. I kept screaming, it was then that I heard someone yell. I looked up and saw Andy Craig, the man who saved me. His timing was nothing short of a miracle. He really is my hero,” she said.
The resident who is also a teacher said she now has to undergo surgery to repair the ligament damage to her right knee in April. She also uses a Zimmer frame to move around at the moment.
“I really want to keep the momentum going in terms of getting the City, the local ward councillor, Shaun Ryley and the police to keep that section safe. I feel the police could be more vigilant in that area and that would deter further attacks like this. Being a city that attracts tourists, we want to be able enjoy the spaces like the bridge which so many people cycle, run and walk over on a daily basis.
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