Culpable homicide investigation launched following cyclist tragic death
Cyclist Landon la Grange, 61, died after a crash on Victoria Road. Police are investigating a culpable homicide case.
Image: Facebook
Police have confirmed that the death of a cyclist following a crash involving a minibus taxi in Camps Bay is now being investigated as culpable homicide, with no arrests made at this stage.
“Kindly note that the mentioned case is currently under investigation as culpable homicide and no arrest has been made yet,” said Western Cape SAPS spokesperson Thembakazi Mpendukana in response to an enquiry about the Camps Bay SAPS case.
The incident occurred on Monday, April 6, at about 8.30am along Victoria Road in Camps Bay, when a group of about 20 cyclists travelling towards Hout Bay were involved in a collision with a taxi travelling in the opposite direction.
The victim, cyclist Landon la Grange, 61, an experienced rider of more than four decades, sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to hospital, where he later died.
Police initially opened a case of reckless and negligent driving, which has since been upgraded following his death.
National Assembly Portfolio Committee on Police chairperson Ian Cameron said he had been informed that the taxi driver allegedly attempted to overtake several vehicles on a corner before colliding with the cyclists.
Police have not confirmed whether the driver remained on the scene after the crash or fled, whether the driver has been identified and interviewed, or what may have caused the collision. Authorities have also not indicated whether any witnesses have come forward.
Tributes have poured in from the cycling community following la Grange’s death.
The Tygerberg MTB Club described him as “a passionate cyclist” who “shared the trails and roads with us”, adding that his loss had “sent shockwaves through the cycling community” and was a reminder of “how fragile life can be when out doing what we love”.
Three-time national road race champion Malcolm Lange paid tribute, saying: “Goodbye my friend… you had a very special place in all our hearts. Gone too soon.”
The incident has renewed concerns about cyclist safety on Cape Town roads, with advocacy groups warning that similar crashes continue to occur and calling for stronger enforcement and improved road safety measures.
Police said the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation and have appealed to anyone with information to come forward.