Biker donates his organs

STEVE Brent, the Sandton motorcyclist who died after a car chase and shoot-out between police and fleeing robbers on Thursday, was a “quiet, gentle, intelligent” man who in death has become a hero.

Brent, 49, was an organ donor and seven of his organs will now help save other lives.

His wife of 25 years, Annie, says as heartbroken as she is, she believes it’s important for people to know that something good can come from a tragedy.

“He was a strong man, so his organs can save someone else’s life. I want people to know that even in circumstances like these you can still make a difference,” she said.

Brent died from the extreme head trauma he sustained after being caught up in a car chase along Republic Road.

The grey Renault Sandero in which the suspects were travelling smashed into Brent’s bike and four other vehicles. He was thrown off his bike and died at Milpark Hospital.

After the crash, the robbers opened fire on police and police retaliated. The ordeal ended with two robbers injured, one dead and one escaping.

Gauteng SAPS Lieutenant-Tsekiso Mofokeng says the police are investigating cases of attempted murder and murder. This is the third high-speed chase and shootout in the province in a matter of weeks. The others were on the N14 near Randburg and in Westonaria.

The Brent family will have a memorial service next week in Bryanston.