Today there is closure.... Some of you may remember there was a fatal bike accident on the Durban Circuit (close to Blue Lagoon) last year in which Dr.<?: prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Willem van HeerdenonName> (72) was run over by a hit-and-run car. <?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /> Unfortunately that was my dad, and here?s what took place The accident took place on the Wednesday morning of 30th July at 6h00 while my dad was on his usual training ride alone. He was hit from behind and was killed instantly. 2 runners, one of which was well known ex pro surfer Pierre Tostee. A group of bikers was first on the scene. My mom got worried after hours of waiting and went looking for him, even seeing the police car still at the scene not thinking anything of it, phoning hospitals and so forth. Eventually, around 11h00 the police managed to trace my mom and came to break the news. A special thanks to Mr Craig Parker Proctor an accident investigation specialist who did such a fantastic job at tracing down the suspect?s car (a company vehicle of a cousin) in Stanger at the panel beaters with the bumper already replaced and a new windshield being fitted. The suspect and 2 others were recorded on camera gambling and drinking at the Sun Coast Casino. The vehicle?s (matching the witness? description) registration plate was also picked up by camera and being a company vehicle, it was fitted with a tracking device. The suspect was arrested the same day somewhere in Durban, and charged with culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving, defeating the course of justice, failing to stop after an accident or failure to render assistance to the injured, driving without a licence and driving under the influence of liquor or drugs. My mom phoned me at 14h00 A memorial/ protest ride was arranged the following week in which, I don?t know, but at least 1500 cyclist pitched. After a heated and emotional debate the city police prevented the ride from taking place. However, just seeing so many riders sacrifice their business time to be there was awesome. Thank you if you were part of it. I was truly impressed in the manner in which the police handled the investigation. No stone was left unturned and the detail of the forensic investigation was very impressive. Although this is not normally allowed, the inspector conducting the investigation invited me to explain exactly what they did, how they reconstructed the accident, evidence, etc. I was very grateful for this and as I said, I left with a feeling that the best team was on this case. They said that the case enjoyed so much attention because it was the first case in SA in which so much evidence was available in a hit and run accident, and that it would be used in future for training purposes. After countless appearances in court since last year, the accused defended himself by stating that he either had to hit my dad, or hit an oncoming car (no skid marks or oncoming car seen by the witnesses). He was to appear in court next week again for the conclusion of the case?it will never happen. He died of a heart attack this morning
