Cyclist killer nabbed after week-long search
The 41-year-old was warming up for the race when he was hit by a car which failed to stop, police indicated.
A motorist allegedly responsible for the death of Capetonian cyclist Nino Oppel was arrested on 1 March following a week-long search.
Oppel, a rugby operations manager and cyclist, was killed on 24 February in a hit-and-run incident shortly before the Bestmed Berge en Dale cycling race, just outside Krugersdorp, according to a statement made by the organisers.
The 41-year-old was warming up for the race when he was hit by a car which failed to stop, said the police.
Mudlersdrift Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Masedi Masedi, said the cyclist was taken from the scene on Hendrik Potgieter Road and transported to a local hospital where he was certified dead.
“A case of homicide was opened and Warrant Officer Smit immediately commenced with the investigation,” said Masedi.
He also indicated that charges of hit-and-run (failing to stop after being involved in an accident) were added.
Details of the incident were circulated in the community, leading to the capture of the culprit. Masedi said, “It was due to the community’s involvement that the suspect was arrested on 1 March.”
The community was applauded by the acting station commander at Muldersdrift, Captain Buti Phiri, for their active participation in the matter.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at northsider@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Randfontein Herald
