By Ntokozo Mfusi
Police are investigating a case of culpable homicide after a cyclist was knocked down and killed in a suspected hit-and-run in Masabalala Yengwa (NMR) Avenue in Durban early on Sunday.
The cyclist has been identified as Allan Seagar, 56, of Westville.
Police spokesperson Michael Reed said a case of culpable homicide had been opened and that investigations were under way to track down the driver.
| 'I haven't just lost a cycling partner. I lost my best friend' |
Mike Foley, a friend of the cyclist's who witnessed the accident, said they had chosen the Masabalala Yengwa route because it seemed the safer option to other routes in Durban; however, that choice proved to be fatal.
Speaking to The Mercury, a highly traumatised Foley, who has been friends with Seagar since the 1980s, said: "We had discussed it... and decided on avoiding the Blue Lagoon and Suncoast Casino route for fear of drunken drivers and party-goers and we did not want to experience any trouble.
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"We were between the Berea Rovers Sport Club and Cyril Geoghegan cycling stadium at about 6.10am and were just coming to a section where the robots don't work. I just heard a bang and as Allan came into my vision I saw the car."
He was riding in front of Seagar when a silver VW Golf hit Seagar and he saw Seagar's body fly in front of him.
"The driver sped off even though he knew that he hit Allan. His car badge and other parts were left behind."
Foley described Seagar as a funny character who was loved by everyone. Both Foley and Seagar worked at the National Ports Authority.
He said: "I haven't just lost a cycling partner. I lost my best friend. He was a truly remarkable man."
Family spokesperson Glynis Owen said the family were trying to come to terms with Seagar's death.
"We cannot speak right now and would appreciate some time."
Seagar leaves his wife, Patricia, and two children, Kelly and Jared.
His death comes two months after a female cyclist died in Jan Smuts Avenue near Hillcrest when she was knocked down by a truck.
ntokozo.mfusi@inl.co.za
- This article was originally published on page 1 of The Mercury on June 02, 2008
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