Park probes cyclist fiasco
South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed an independent investigator has been appointed to look into the incident involving star cyclist Nic Dlamini.
The five officials involved in the detention of Dlamini have been suspended.
SANParks spokesperson Reynold Thakhuli said the five were suspended pending the completion of the investigation.
An independent investigator has been appointed, but the duration of the investigation is unclear.
A video of Dlamini’s arrest was shared widely on social media.
It showed SANParks officials aggressively manhandling him and shoving him into the back of a van.
It is alleged that Dlamini entered Table Mountain National Park’s Silvermine gate one without the necessary permit on Friday.
Dlamini sustained a broken arm during the incident and underwent surgery.
In a statement yesterday, he said the surgery went well.
“My first step was to undergo surgery and I am told this went well, but the surgeon is unable to make a prognosis at this early stage.
“So, for the moment, I am unable to say when I’ll be back on a bike.”
He said the surgeon and the NTT Pro Cycling team doctor would establish when he could ride again.
“For now, I need to receive expert care and physiotherapy at hospital or rest at home until I’m well enough to leave and make a statement to the police.
“I am not sure yet when this will be but, for now, things are a little uncomfortable and I am still coming to terms with what happened.”
International law firm Norton Rose Fulbright will represent Dlamini in the case.
“With the help from my fantastic support team, my manager and the guys at NTT, I will be taking legal advice on next steps from Norton Rose Fulbright.
“For this reason I hope you can understand why I cannot give any more detail to anyone at this stage,” Dlamini said.
I need to receive expert care and physiotherapy at hospital, or rest at home until I’m well enough to leave and make a statement to the police ... things are a little uncomfortable and I am still coming to terms with what happened.
Nic Dlamini Professional cyclist