(Image: Facebook/AnnMarie LaGrange)
Minibus taxi driver allegedly involved collision The incident that took the life of veteran Cape Town cyclist Landon La Grange is expected to make his first appearance in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court on Friday, June 12.
The hearing marks the beginning of legal proceedings arising from the crash on Victoria Road between Camps Bay and Bakowen, which shocked the cycling community and reignited concerns about cyclist safety on city roads.
La Grange, 61, died after suffering serious injuries in a collision between a taxi and a group of cyclists on 6 April. The group, reportedly comprising about 20 riders, was traveling from Camps Bay towards Hout Bay at about 8.30am when the accident occurred.
Police spokesman Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed La Grange's death at the time. After the incident, he was airlifted to the hospital, where his leg had to be amputated after suffering serious leg injuries. He later succumbed to those injuries.
Police did not say whether the charges would be amended following his death, nor had any arrests been made at the time. The circumstances surrounding the crash attracted widespread attention, with Ian Cameron, chairman of the Parliament's portfolio committee on policing, commenting on the incident on social media.
Before La Grange's death was confirmed, Cameron wrote: “A cyclist has had to have his leg amputated as a result of this incident…he is still in a critical condition.” He further alleged that the driver had attempted to overtake multiple vehicles before colliding with the cyclists.
“I have been told that a case of careless and negligent driving will be opened against the taxi driver, who tried to overtake multiple vehicles around a corner and hit the oncoming cyclists.”
Cameron also argued that more serious charges should be considered. “I would say there should be a charge of attempted murder.”
Now, more than two months after the tragedy, the case is finally set to come before a magistrate.
The Pedal Power Association (PPA) has confirmed through its “Stay Wider than the Rider” campaign that it will take part in the proceedings and has encouraged cyclists and members of the public to show support for La Grange's family and friends.
“The cycling community was devastated when Landon La Grange tragically lost his life after a collision with a minibus taxi on Victoria Road, Camps Bay, in April,” the association said in a statement.
The PPA said the driver's first court appearance represents an important step toward accountability following the fatal crash.
Supporters are expected to gather outside the court on Friday, while more details about the charges and the future direction of the case are likely to emerge during the proceedings.
(Source: south african)