Cyclists from the Cape Town Giants Cycling Club are devastated after one of their members died when he was knocked by a drunken driver on the West Coast road this morning. Nathier Roberts, 38 years old, passed away on the scene, while another cyclist was injured with minor fractures and bruises. Sharief Peters, chairperson of Western Province Cycling and vice chairperson of Cape Town Giants says the team of 25 riders had been preparing for the Double Century when the accident took place at 7.45am on the R27 near Atlantis. The cyclists witnessed the driver failing to brake at the stop street and subsequently collided into the tail end of the group.

“It happened in a split second. We had some youngsters in the group and after the accident, we could not even manage to get on our bikes again. We had to ask for assistance to take us back home. We’ve come across scenes where accidents like this has happened, but today, sadly it was too close to home,” said Peters.

Nathier had been part of the club for the past five years and had joined the crew regularly on Sunday rides.

“He was a jovial guy, just enjoying his bike and getting away from the everyday routine. Just this morning, I asked him to cover the back and ensure everyone was okay. That’s the type of person he was… always caring about others and never putting himself first,” Peters added.

Western Cape spokesperson Sgt Noloyiso Rwexana confirmed that the motorist was driving under the influence of alcohol and has been arrested for culpable homicide.

“According to information, a BMW collided with the two cyclists. A 38-year-old man died due to his injuries and a 55-year-old was transported to a nearby medical facility. The driver of the BMW aged 28 was arrested for drunken driving and culpable homicide. He will appear in the Atlantis magistrates’ court once charged,” she said.

Nathier leaves behind his wife and two children. May Allah SWT grant him the highest place in Jannah, Ameen

VOC