Cyclist down Camps Bay

[ChrisF]

28 minutes ago, DJR said:

Methinks, we need much more swift justice. 

Justice delayed for many months and often many years, do not serve the any positive purpose for the family and loved ones on whose behalf the state is suppose to prosecute the perpetrator. All it does is to drag out the agony, delay their grieving process and traumatise them over and over. 

 

A blood test for driving under the influence takes MINUTES, months.

 

Obtaining video evidence along that section of road takes DAYS, not weeks.  Few more days to find the relevant minutes of video footage.

 

Hand over to the defence legal team for their scrutiny and case preparation .... again, realistically only a few days needed.

 

Even allowing for the public holidays etc .... this can, or ideally should be in court by end January .... in the view if this non-legal person.

 

 

Think back to the gent that murdered De Klerk's wife ... arrested very quickly, court case in a few weeks, centenced .... DONE.

 

 

In this case :

- blood test can (should have) prove intoxication or not ... 

- video evidence along that road will very quickly prove speed, driving "attitude" (speeding around corners) ....

 

IF the evidence confirms intoxication and/or dangerous driving there is no further need for a long case .... 

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

3 hours ago, NC_lurker said:

This ☝️

It blows my mind that it's seen as socially acceptable to drink alcohol in volume and then get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, or just that getting drunk is cool & desirable.

I've always wondered who's driving the vehicles home when I see people in the beer tent after sporting events (and yes cycle races are top of mind).

[Yes, I do drink alcohol but in moderation and no more than a single beer if I'm going to be driving later]

I did my fair share of drinking and driving etc when I was in my 20s. It was a life of corporate sales and action sports and consumption was very much ingrained. I reached the age of 31 and it was during that year I stopped doing it. At 39 I stopped drinking all together and now 6 years on I don’t regret a moment - except maybe all the moments I found my way home completely sheetfaced hoping the next day that I hadn’t hurt anyone or anything. I don’t believe I ever did but I still think about it.

I am persistently SHOOK at the amount of 40+ people sitting around at restaurants, beer tents, wine tastings, etc, about to get behind the wheel. These are parents, grandparents. I’m not surprised by the youngsters, but people my age and older?

Which leads me to think, that culture shift is so necessary. Whether you’re 20 or 60, you should not be drinking and driving. It should never be “acceptable”. Even if you had a couple of beers at home then drove to fetch your Friday night takeaway. I really *should* be as surprised with a 20 year old drinking and driving as I am a 60 year old. Sure, some people Uber etc. But let’s be real - more people get behind the wheel. 

The whole culture of alcohol is just so messed up. Cigarette advertising is shunned, but nicotine doesn’t destroy other people’s lives. Alcohol DESTROYS yet the consumption of it is glorified and celebrated. 

People just don’t seem to realise that dependency is dependency whether you have 1 or 6. If you can’t consistently manage a social setting without a drink in hand - you’re dependent. If you need a drink in your hand to wind down after the day, you’re dependent.

If alcohol didn’t alter brainwaves it wouldn’t be consumed. It’s simple really. And it affects different people, differently. 

Bongi Mthethwa (sadly sharing a name with a great man - may he RIP) was living the Corona/Jack Daniels/Stella/Carling high life; a graduate doctor, revelling with friends at sunrise on the beach in arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world with his shiny blue BMW part of the backdrop, doing everything the booze ads say he should be doing if he’s made a success of himself - and then his shiny blue backdrop became a loaded blue weapon and he snuffed out someone else’s life. Because of drink. 

[michaelbiker]

Drove passed Oudekraal this morning at 7am. Tons of people still drinking and partying from last night. I think it’s best just to avoid that stretch of road this time of year. It’s not going to change unfortunately. 

[betaboy]

Current stats: 32 people per day are no longer South African citizens.

[The Ouzo]

On 12/19/2025 at 10:08 AM, NC_lurker said:

This ☝️

It blows my mind that it's seen as socially acceptable to drink alcohol in volume and then get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle, or just that getting drunk is cool & desirable.

I've always wondered who's driving the vehicles home when I see people in the beer tent after sporting events (and yes cycle races are top of mind).

[Yes, I do drink alcohol but in moderation and no more than a single beer if I'm going to be driving later]

I’m of the opinion that not even one beer should be had before you drive, and in some countries this is the social norm. 
 

unfortunately we have a big problem in SA and I don’t see it changing anytime soon. You are seen as uncool and anti social if you don’t drink (I know because I’ve been on the receiving end of this all my life). 

[Paul Ruinaard]

Its the culling season and we are world champions. If this happened in the UK they would be in apoplexy never mind Europe.

Just a quick search brings up some much more sobering numbers. 505 people dead and we are on for a record low. We kill over a thousand in this month alone on the roads. Cyclists are 2% of the deaths. So we are in for more statistically. 

 

"Preliminary data for December 2025 indicates that cyclists account for approximately 2% of road fatalities in South Africa
. 

According to the mid-term festive season report released on December 19, 2025, by Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy, there were 505 total road fatalities recorded between December 1 and December 16, 2025. Applying the reported 2% figure, approximately 10 cyclists were reported killed during the first half of the month. 

 

Key Statistics for December 2025

• Total Fatalities (Dec 1–16): 505 persons (a 20.8% reduction compared to the same period in 2024).
• Cyclist Share: Cyclists represent 2% of these deaths.
• Comparison to Other Road Users: Pedestrians remain the most vulnerable group at 44%, followed by passengers (28%) and drivers (26%). 

 

Notable Reported Incidents

While comprehensive national lists are rarely published daily, specific tragic incidents have gained significant attention this month:

• Camps Bay, Cape Town (Dec 16): A well-known 41-year-old cyclist, Idries Sheriff, was killed on Victoria Road near Glen Beach after being struck by a vehicle. A 27-year-old driver was arrested and charged with culpable homicide.
• Additional Cape Town Fatality (Mid-December): Reports also mention the recent death of 55-year-old Francois Esterhuizen, further highlighting safety concerns for cyclists in the region. 

[Mamil]

If any other cause of preventable unnatural death killed this many people there would be a lot more done about it. 

Is it a sign of our motor normative indoctrination that we just accept this annual slaughter and continue as normal? 

Isit interesting that advertising of cars and alcohol all little same notes of social status, sex appeal,  adventure and social good times.  Or maybe that's just true of every product? 

 

[Robbie Stewart]

Saw this posted by the JMPD. This just highlights the culture of drinking and driving in SA 

https://x.com/JoburgMPD/status/2003032178729382168

Jo'burg Metro Police Department - JMPD

@JoburgMPD

MEDIA STATEMENT 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE

 

22 DECEMBER 2025

 

JMPD STATISTICAL UPDATE: OVER 200 MOTORISTS ARRESTED FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI) 

 

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the safety of all road users within the City of Johannesburg. As the holiday season reaches its peak, our officers have intensified law enforcement operations to curb the scourge of driving under the influence of alcohol.

 

Between 15th December 2025 and 21st December 2025, JMPD officers conducted a series of high-visibility roadblocks, roving patrols, and targeted operations across all regions of the city.

 

As a result of these operations, a total of 227 motorists were arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.

 

Commenting on these statistics, JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca emphasised the gravity of the situation.

 

"We are seeing very high numbers of accidents on our roads, and more people are being killed. It is our responsibility to ensure that this does not continue and that we reduce these numbers", said Commissioner Jaca. "Each arrest made represents a potential tragedy averted and a commitment to protecting innocent residents and visitors. We will build a force feared by transgressors but trusted by the people."

 

We wish to inform the public that we are continuing with our Festive Season Safety Campaign and Operations. Under our zero-tolerance approach, our officers will remain deployed 24/7 across major routes and hotspots to ensure compliance with the law.

 

We urge all motorists to designate a sober driver before heading out. Utilise e-hailing services or public transport if consuming alcohol. Respect the rules of the road to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.

 

Our message is clear: if you choose to drink and drive, you will be arrested. Let us work together to make this festive season a safe one for all.

 

ENDS

[dexterdent]

23 hours ago, Paul Ruinaard said:

Its the culling season and we are world champions. If this happened in the UK they would be in apoplexy never mind Europe.

Just a quick search brings up some much more sobering numbers. 505 people dead and we are on for a record low. We kill over a thousand in this month alone on the roads. Cyclists are 2% of the deaths. So we are in for more statistically. 

 

"Preliminary data for December 2025 indicates that cyclists account for approximately 2% of road fatalities in South Africa
. 

According to the mid-term festive season report released on December 19, 2025, by Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy, there were 505 total road fatalities recorded between December 1 and December 16, 2025. Applying the reported 2% figure, approximately 10 cyclists were reported killed during the first half of the month. 

 

Key Statistics for December 2025

• Total Fatalities (Dec 1–16): 505 persons (a 20.8% reduction compared to the same period in 2024).
• Cyclist Share: Cyclists represent 2% of these deaths.
• Comparison to Other Road Users: Pedestrians remain the most vulnerable group at 44%, followed by passengers (28%) and drivers (26%). 

 

Notable Reported Incidents

While comprehensive national lists are rarely published daily, specific tragic incidents have gained significant attention this month:

• Camps Bay, Cape Town (Dec 16): A well-known 41-year-old cyclist, Idries Sheriff, was killed on Victoria Road near Glen Beach after being struck by a vehicle. A 27-year-old driver was arrested and charged with culpable homicide.
• Additional Cape Town Fatality (Mid-December): Reports also mention the recent death of 55-year-old Francois Esterhuizen, further highlighting safety concerns for cyclists in the region. 

This is a very useful context setting. It seems to me that we don't have a cycling versus motorist issue, we have an everyone versus bad/drunk drivers issue.

In the many years I have lived and driven my car in Cape Town I have never been pulled over for a breathalyzer*. If this means they only pull over people who drive carelessly and then test them, it sends the message you can drive drunk as long as you drive safely (which of course is not possible).

I suspect spending R180m on more roadblocks and random testing might save more lives than an N2 wall.

*FYI, I don't really drink alcohol, and certainly not when driving. 

[Paul Ruinaard]

1 hour ago, Robbie Stewart said:

Saw this posted by the JMPD. This just highlights the culture of drinking and driving in SA 

https://x.com/JoburgMPD/status/2003032178729382168

Jo'burg Metro Police Department - JMPD

@JoburgMPD

MEDIA STATEMENT 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE

 

22 DECEMBER 2025

 

JMPD STATISTICAL UPDATE: OVER 200 MOTORISTS ARRESTED FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI) 

 

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the safety of all road users within the City of Johannesburg. As the holiday season reaches its peak, our officers have intensified law enforcement operations to curb the scourge of driving under the influence of alcohol.

 

Between 15th December 2025 and 21st December 2025, JMPD officers conducted a series of high-visibility roadblocks, roving patrols, and targeted operations across all regions of the city.

 

As a result of these operations, a total of 227 motorists were arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.

 

Commenting on these statistics, JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca emphasised the gravity of the situation.

 

"We are seeing very high numbers of accidents on our roads, and more people are being killed. It is our responsibility to ensure that this does not continue and that we reduce these numbers", said Commissioner Jaca. "Each arrest made represents a potential tragedy averted and a commitment to protecting innocent residents and visitors. We will build a force feared by transgressors but trusted by the people."

 

We wish to inform the public that we are continuing with our Festive Season Safety Campaign and Operations. Under our zero-tolerance approach, our officers will remain deployed 24/7 across major routes and hotspots to ensure compliance with the law.

 

We urge all motorists to designate a sober driver before heading out. Utilise e-hailing services or public transport if consuming alcohol. Respect the rules of the road to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.

 

Our message is clear: if you choose to drink and drive, you will be arrested. Let us work together to make this festive season a safe one for all.

 

ENDS

The sad truth is, knowing Jhb as I do, the amount of people who were not arrested because they paid a "spot fine" is much higher for this time of year. The corruption in JMPD is endemic. Subsidies to their meagre pay at Xmas? So even if you do drink and drive then a couple of randelas will make the issue go away. Sad truth. Then you just carry on doing it with impunity. I cant be the only person who knows this? Even the cases where there has been a clear drink driving issue when a cyclist is killed, the docket magically disappears. So even if you do get caught you can still make sure the problem goes away with a little bit of oil for the wheels of the machine. Or drags out in court and eventually gets dismissed on a technicality with a good defense attorney who knows that they likelihood is thr prosecutor is incompletent and will make a procedural mistake and then who cares as its a cyclist aka rich entitled dude rather than a major icrime. Courts are backlogged so badly two years down the line no one remembers - give them a fine and they go away - like the Simonstown case.

Forgive my jaded diatribe but this is the bald truth - less so I think in other regions than JHB. I am sure I am not the only person who knows this?

[nonky]

On 12/22/2025 at 11:27 AM, Mamil said:

If any other cause of preventable unnatural death killed this many people there would be a lot more done about it. 

Is it a sign of our motor normative indoctrination that we just accept this annual slaughter and continue as normal? 

Isit interesting that advertising of cars and alcohol all little same notes of social status, sex appeal,  adventure and social good times.  Or maybe that's just true of every product? 

 

When people are faced with 12 dead in a tavern shooting,  3 dead in a bus accident, 8yo boy hit and run death, dj warras murder (arrest), bloem granny murder (arrest), 11 pedestrians among 30 dead in W-Cape IN ONE WEEK, they become completely inured to death...

[*the above from today's news24 headlines]

 

[Mamil]

15 minutes ago, nonky said:

When people are faced with 12 dead in a tavern shooting,  3 dead in a bus accident, 8yo boy hit and run death, dj warras murder (arrest), bloem granny murder (arrest), 11 pedestrians among 30 dead in W-Cape IN ONE WEEK, they become completely inured to death...

[*the above from today's news24 headlines]

 

True that.  As i typed its thought nah. There is so much careless death around that motor vehicle crashes are hardly.priority 

[ChrisF]

The family drive to the sea-side a couple of times this season .... (we are locals and only a 25km drive to the Blouberg)

 

N1 .... mostly well behaved.  But every single trip there is that ONE @55hole that races well over the speedlimit and weaves between all three lanes .... you see the missile coming up in your mirror, darting left and right .... thankful when it gets ahead of you safely, then watch the dodgems play out one near miss after the other .... 

 

Back in the 60km/h zones .... same story ... mostly very well behaved.  But every so often there is that ONE that just has to do double the speed in heavy holiday traffic .....

 

These drivers has zero respect for other cars.  Pedestrians and cyclists certainly dont even enter their non-existent thought pattern ....

 

As much as I want to comment on the taxi that goes left into the "cycle lane" (wide yellow shoulder) along Durban road then blasts across a RED robot at more than 80km/h ..... sad reality is that I see more locals in their cars jumping the red robots ....

 

It is looking like a YouTube crash compilation waiting to happen out there !!

 

SURVIVE Hubbers, just survive this mayhem ....

[The Ouzo]

5 hours ago, Robbie Stewart said:

Saw this posted by the JMPD. This just highlights the culture of drinking and driving in SA 

https://x.com/JoburgMPD/status/2003032178729382168

Jo'burg Metro Police Department - JMPD

@JoburgMPD

MEDIA STATEMENT 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE DATE

 

22 DECEMBER 2025

 

JMPD STATISTICAL UPDATE: OVER 200 MOTORISTS ARRESTED FOR DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (DUI) 

 

The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) remains steadfast in our commitment to ensuring the safety of all road users within the City of Johannesburg. As the holiday season reaches its peak, our officers have intensified law enforcement operations to curb the scourge of driving under the influence of alcohol.

 

Between 15th December 2025 and 21st December 2025, JMPD officers conducted a series of high-visibility roadblocks, roving patrols, and targeted operations across all regions of the city.

 

As a result of these operations, a total of 227 motorists were arrested for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.

 

Commenting on these statistics, JMPD Chief of Police Commissioner Patrick Jaca emphasised the gravity of the situation.

 

"We are seeing very high numbers of accidents on our roads, and more people are being killed. It is our responsibility to ensure that this does not continue and that we reduce these numbers", said Commissioner Jaca. "Each arrest made represents a potential tragedy averted and a commitment to protecting innocent residents and visitors. We will build a force feared by transgressors but trusted by the people."

 

We wish to inform the public that we are continuing with our Festive Season Safety Campaign and Operations. Under our zero-tolerance approach, our officers will remain deployed 24/7 across major routes and hotspots to ensure compliance with the law.

 

We urge all motorists to designate a sober driver before heading out. Utilise e-hailing services or public transport if consuming alcohol. Respect the rules of the road to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely.

 

Our message is clear: if you choose to drink and drive, you will be arrested. Let us work together to make this festive season a safe one for all.

 

ENDS

This is only those caught, AND arrested/fined, take into account, as stated previously, those that offered up cooldrink money, and then the thousands (yes this is what I guestimate) that did not even go through the roadblocks.

My conservative guestimate is that you can easliy take that 227 number, double it and then add a zero to the end and you still wont have the total of all the peophols in JHB that drove under the influence during that period.

[Eugene Oppelt]

Imagine a city where cycling to work, for exercise, for shopping, for fun, feels normal and routine. Not an act that requires courage and dare and an edge of fear.

 Rest in peace, man, father, husband, friend and Brother. 🌈

[Robbie Stewart]

6 hours ago, The Ouzo said:

This is only those caught, AND arrested/fined, take into account, as stated previously, those that offered up cooldrink money, and then the thousands (yes this is what I guestimate) that did not even go through the roadblocks.

My conservative guestimate is that you can easliy take that 227 number, double it and then add a zero to the end and you still wont have the total of all the peophols in JHB that drove under the influence during that period.

I sat at a braai over the weekend. Had two beers over the course of 5 hours. Listened to someone saying that they attended a wedding and he was the designated driver who ended up drinking anyway. Couple beers, a few glasses of red, a few shots of tequila and a couple brandies. Then he drove home via the N2. Got stopped at a road block and didn't have a licence. Told the officer the wife was drunk and she couldn't drive. He got a R500 fine and got sent on their merry way. No breathalyser test or anything of the sort despite being well over the limit. He laughed about it as the story was being told. And then I think of all the people who have died and still would over this holiday season because of situations like this one. 

Society is broken.