A Cape Town mountain-biker, Bernard Berman, 60, was assaulted and stabbed before being robbed of his bicycle on Table Mountain early yesterday morning.
The Table Mountain Bikers group said at about 7.45am Berman was out on his usual ride when he was stopped by a knife-wielding assailant.
Berman refused to give up his bike and a scuffle ensued which resulted in him being hit in the chest with a rock and stabbed in the leg below the knee before being held with a knife to his throat.
CCTV footage captured the suspect riding on the stolen bike at the top of Kloof Street soon after the incident occurred. Photo: Table Mountain Bikers/Facebook
He then submitted and the suspect rode off on his bike.
Melanie Vogel from the Table Mountain Bikers group and wife of Robert Vogel, founder of the club, said she arrived at the scene 10 minutes after the incident occurred.
“The man left Bernard at the spot and cycled down the mountain with his bicycle into the CBD,” Vogel told In the Bunch today.
“Fortunately some runners were able to assist him and called for help, which was when we arrived.
“His attacker not only stole his Canyon bike but also violated the safety of a space many of us enjoy on foot, running or cycling.”
Medics then arrived at the scene and attended to Bernard before taking him to hospital where he had surgery last night.
“He’s okay, but very angry and shaken,” Vogel said.
She said they managed to get some assistance from the local neighbourhood watch and obtained CCTV footage showing the suspect riding on the stolen bike at the top of Kloof Street.
“We haven’t yet been able to catch the guy, but we have an idea of where he might be hanging out and what he looks like.”
She said they had rallied a group of volunteers to scout the mountainside area where the incident occurred.
“We kind of want to have a look and see how many people are nesting in that area, in the bushes.
“We would like to sort of get a headcount or clean-out, because there have been quite a few incidents involving not just cyclists, but also runners and walkers in that area at the top of Molteno Road.
“It is suspected that it could be the same perpetrator. We want to get rid of all these bad elements invading our mountain at the moment.”
