Cyclist robbed on Jan Smuts Drive

CRAWFORD cyclist Arshad Kelly, 33, detailed his terrifying experience after two men robbed him of his bicycle and other belongings while riding on Jan Smuts Drive near Hanover Park.

The incident comes less than a week after police arrested a 32-year-old suspect after he and his accomplice allegedly attacked a group of five cyclists on the old Helshoogte Pass near Stellenbosch on Sunday morning.

The cyclists sustained minor injuries after the suspects, armed with a knife and sticks, charged at them.

On Wednesday, members of the Cedar Cycling Club, taking part in their weekly “Wacky Wednesday” 36km ride, were cycling on Jan Smuts Drive near Hanover Park and were separated due to a traffic light.

Kelly said he saw two men on the side of the road as he tried to catch up with two of his fellow riders.

“As the first two riders passed without hindrance, I continued. That’s when one of them (suspects) stepped into the road and I saw the gun.

“They demanded I get off my bike, and took my phone. I tried not to make eye contact as I know this could make them nervous as I was not sure if the guns were real or not,” he said.

The men fled into the Hanover Park area before Kelly was joined by his fellow riders. He said an officer then arrived on the scene, whose presence scared off another group of men approaching the cyclists.

Kelly said his bike was insured and that he and friends entered Hanover Park to search for the men.

“A man came and offered to get my bike back because he apparently knew who the robbers were.

“They apparently had a buyer lined up and he even put me on the phone with the buyer, who demanded R6 000 for my own bike,” said Kelly.

After threatening to go to the police, the person settled for R2 000 and returned the bike and cellphone.

Pedal Power Association chief executive Robert Vogel said it was appalling that a section of Jan Smuts Drive was quickly becoming another no-go area for cyclists.

“Law enforcement authorities seem unable to ensure the safety of cyclists in the area...,” he said.