A cyclist who was critically injured in a collision with a minibus taxi on Victoria Road in Camps Bay has died, according to Cape {town} Etc. The crash happened on Monday morning as a group of about 20 cyclists travelled from Camps Bay towards Hout Bay. The taxi was travelling in the opposite direction.

Cape {town} Etc reported on Tuesday that the cyclist died after suffering severe injuries, including a leg amputation, fractures to both arms and liver damage. The publication said the death was shared by Democratic Alliance MP and Parliament’s police portfolio committee chairperson Ian Cameron, who posted on Facebook that the cyclist had passed away.

Community shaken by cyclist’s death

The death has sent shockwaves through the local community. Cape {town} Etc described the collision as catastrophic, with early reports pointing to life-threatening injuries and major trauma. Cameron said earlier that the cyclist was still in a critical condition after the crash, before later confirming his death.

The incident has again put the spotlight on road safety along one of Cape Town’s busiest and most scenic coastal routes. For many residents and regular cyclists, Victoria Road is both a popular training route and a growing danger point when traffic turns aggressive.

Conflicting accounts emerge over what caused the crash

Cape {town} Etc reported that witnesses and early accounts described the taxi driver as trying to overtake several vehicles around a corner before colliding with oncoming cyclists. Cameron also alleged that the driver’s actions went beyond reckless and negligent driving and said attempted murder should be considered.

But police have presented a different version. According to Camps Bay Police Station commander Captain Liaan Janse van Rensburg, the driver overtook a vehicle but was not driving recklessly. He told Nova News that one cyclist was startled, fell in front of the taxi and was then struck.

Police investigation continues

Police have confirmed that a case of reckless and negligent driving is under investigation. No arrests had been made at the time of publication, Cape {town} Etc reported. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop or use the MySAPS app anonymously.

The crash has also sparked debate online, with Sea Point City Improvement District chairperson Jacques Weber urging the public to show restraint and compassion when sharing unverified and graphic details about the victim.