A senior business executive is fighting for his life after suffering head injuries when a minibus ploughed into a group of cyclists from behind during the Cycle4Cansa road race that took place at Sun City yesterday.
The driver of the minibus made no attempt to slow down or swerve out of the way and was arrested at the scene. He also underwent a blood-alcohol test.
Five cyclists were transported to the Netcare Ferncrest Hospital in Rustenburg, with three later being discharged after treatment for less serious injuries.
However, Bestmed Medical Scheme executive Wicus Kotze was critically injured. He underwent brain surgery yesterday afternoon.
A specialist neurosurgeon advised that Kotze should not be airlifted to Pretoria and needed to undergo immediate surgery to try and stop the haemorrhaging.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with him, his wife Marietjie and the Kotze family during this very difficult time,” said race organiser Mauritz Meyer.
He added that all the injured cyclists received prompt and excellent care from the ER24 crew.
“This is such a senseless act which has caused so much sadness and heartache. We ask that the cycling community prays for Wicus and his family.”
Another injured cyclist, Lourens Janse van Rensburg, suffered a fractured vertebra, but is stable and there is no risk of paralysis.
