Driver who knocked two cyclists granted bail, licence taken away
SCENE: Garth Ronald Pasha knocked into the cyclists on Glencairn Main Road last week.
An alleged drunk driver who knocked down two cyclists a week ago has been released on R5 000 bail.
Garth Ronald Pasha, 27, appeared in Simon’s Town Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday where he was charged with attempted murder, reckless and negligent driving and driving under the influence.
Pasha was arrested last Thursday, shortly after he knocked into cycling coach Mike Moriarty and his student Dewald van der Westhuizen while they were cycling along Glencairn Main Road.
A CCTV camera captured the incident, which showed the two men cycling moments before a white VW Polo hit them and later drove off.
Van der Westhuizen suffered serious injuries and is currently hospitalised, where he is believed to undergo a third operation on his leg today.
The State opposed Pasha’s bail application due to the gravity of the case, but his bail was granted as he had no previous offences.
He also had to hand over his driver’s licence to the police and is prohibited from getting behind the wheel while the case is under investigation.
Pasha was also warned not to make contact with any witnesses. The case was postponed until 16 February for further investigation.
Cycling campaign, Stay Wider of the Rider, has urged motorists as well as cyclists to obey the rules of the road.
The campaign says: “Mutual respect is important on the road. The National Traffic Act 93 of 1996 and the National Road Traffic Regulations are the national legislation and applies to everyone in South Africa. These laws cover the following important rules that cyclists should please adhere to.”