The Pedal Power Association is renewing its call for urgent systemic reform across South Africa’s justice system as three tragic cyclist crash cases head into critical legal phases. While the road to justice remains fraught with investigative delays and lenient bail conditions, a landmark High Court ruling in Durban has offered a powerful beacon of hope for vulnerable road users nationwide.
A major victory for accountability: Veven Naidoo (Top)
CONVICTION
In a decisive turn for road safety justice, the Durban High Court has turned down the appeal of Giuliano Contu, confirming his six-year imprisonment sentence for culpable homicide.
In 2024, Contu was sentenced after crashing into cyclist Veven Naidoo along the M4 in Durban and fleeing the scene. Veven tragically succumbed to severe head injuries. Following Contu's attempt to appeal the ruling, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Durban formally notified PPA that the appeal was dismissed, requiring Contu to immediately begin serving his jail term. “The PPA wishes to thank the NPA in Durban for seeking justice on behalf of Veven Naidoo’s family, and the cycling community,” says CEO of the PPA Neil Robinson.
Three lives taken, shattered families left behind
Despite clear safety regulations and repeated calls for vulnerable road user protections, reckless driving continues to claim lives with minimal immediate consequence for perpetrators:
Kerry Grundlingh (21 - Below middle image), Princeton Student & Rower) was struck by a vehicle while training with her father on a Cradle of Humankind dedicated cycle lane in July 2025. Despite contradictory evidence surfaced by a family-appointed attorney, local SAPS initially resisted opening a proper investigation. Following a subpoena, the docket was finally submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) at the Roodepoort Court to determine if the driver will face charges. “There has been no response from the authorities with regards to charges. The PPA will continue to support her family in their effort to find justice for Kerry,” says Robinson.
Idries Sheriff (41 - Below LHS) was struck head-on by a BMW driver who crossed onto the opposite side of the road along Victoria Road in Camps Bay, during a training ride on 16 December last year. The driver, Bongani Mthethwa, was arrested at the scene and charged with culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving, and driving under the influence (DUI). Sparks of public outrage followed his release on R15 000 bail. After multiple post-investigation postponements, Mthethwa is set to return to the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on 14 August 2026. “ There needs to be consequences that are befitting the crimes for unlawful actions on our roads,” Robinson says.
Landon la Grange (61 - Below RHS) tragically lost his life in April 2026 after he was hit by a taxi. Siyabonga Myabalala was not arrested at the scene and was only charged weeks later. Currently facing a culpable homicide charge without having entered a plea yet, the accused briefly appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 28 July, but the case was postponed until 13 October as his lawyer was absent from court. There needs to be proper consequences for unlawful actions on our roads if that is proven to be the case in this particular case,” Robinson explains.
The fight for accountability
The Pedal Power Association (PPA) has appointed legal monitoring over the Idries Sheriff case, and work alongside investigating officers at Camps Bay SAPS and other jurisdictions on all the pending cases. Our advocacy efforts have drawn direct support from key parliamentary leaders, including Ian Cameron (Parliamentary Oversight Committee for Policing) and Nicholas Gotsell (MP in the National Council of Provinces representing the Western Cape), who have joined calls for structural accountability within SAPS and the NPA.
More urgent action is required
The PPA and its partners are calling for:
2. Stricter bail & sentencing: A review of lenient bail terms for repeat or high-risk traffic offenders involving loss of life.
3. Prioritised SAPS investigations: Specialised training and prompt handling of vehicle-versus-cyclist crime scenes to prevent vital evidence from being overlooked.
Members of the public, cycling communities and media representatives are encouraged to attend the upcoming court appearances to demonstrate solidarity for safer roads and equal justice. “The PPA will continue to advocate for competent policing that is meticulous in its crime scene evidence gathering processes, an NPA which is properly resourced and punishment which fits the crime,’’ Robinson concludes.
