The South African cycling community have reacted in shock after the fatal shooting of a rider in Dunoon, Cape Town, last week.
There has been an outcry on social media after the much-loved Albert Munthali was shot and robbed of his bicycle last Monday while returning home from work in the Table View area.
Albert Munthali was fatally shot and robbed of his bicycle in Dunoon, Cape Town, last week. Photo: Jetline Action Photo
People have reacted in shock on Twitter with various tweets flooding the platform.
harleycharley stated how wrong the situation was.
Killed riding his bike returning home! That is just so wrong ?
— harleycharley (@bikerider08) April 17, 2018
Genevieve Ornsby was infuriated after hearing the news and expressed her feelings in her tweet.
Infuriating ..condolences to his family and friends.
— Genevieve Ornsby (@GenOrnsby) April 16, 2018
Many people have also paid tribute to the rider.
Liezel V said that her thoughts and prayers were with him and his family.
My thoughts and prayers with him and his family
— Liezel V ? (@liezelv) April 16, 2018
Fellow countryman Graham hoped that his family may be granted with ease from the pain of losing him.
RIP to my fellow Countryman Albert may the Almighty grant your family ease from the pain of losing you.
— Graham (@graham_Angwazi) April 17, 2018
According to a statement on Stay Wider of the Rider, the 38-year-old was a “kind and gentle person with a love for animals”.
This was evident, it read, in his work over the past 13 years as a clinic assistant in the veterinary industry.
Munthali got into cycling after competing in the Cape Town Cycle Tour in 2013. The Pedal Power Association sponsored his late entry and friends and colleagues helped by donating cycling kit.
He went on to complete the race in just over five hours on a mountain bike while wearing takkies.
In the statement, he told veterinary surgeon Dr Melissa Charles that it had been the greatest achievement of his life.
According to her, Munthali never believed Cape Town to be so beautiful and the people lining the streets to be so encouraging. She said the race had inspired him to better his life.
He completed a certificate in business management while working and training and upgraded his bicycle to participate in the Cape Town Cycle Tour on three further occasions (2014, 2015 and 2018).
According to Charles, he improved his time every year and was proud of these achievements.
Munthali, who was originally from Malawi, was reportedly due to return home for the first time next month. He is survived by his wife Eliness and daughter Melissa.
A fund has been set up to assist his family. Details are posted on Stay Wider of the Rider’s Facebook page.
