Wave of sadness in Cape Town following the death of cyclist "Dennis Hammar"

SadaNews - Dennis Hammar, one of the most prominent figures in South Africa's cycling community, tragically passed away after being attacked during a cycling tour, where he was assaulted and robbed, resulting in fatal injuries.

Hammar, who was 76 years old, was on his way from the "Bardon Island" area toward "De Klerk Boulevard" in the "Foreshore" area when an unknown person pushed him off his bike and stole his mobile phone.

Hammar was taken to a nearby hospital, but he died as a result of severe injuries that included multiple fractures.

The news sparked widespread outrage among cyclists and civil society activists, with calls for increased security in areas known for high crime rates.

Neil Robinson, CEO of the "Bicycle Power" association, stated, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of another soul due to this recurring pattern of assaults. Despite police interventions, the problem persists. We urge cyclists to avoid these areas."

A local community group in Cape Town also issued an emotional statement via social media: "Cape Town, our mother city, breaks our hearts again. Just weeks after the tragedy of a mountain climber on Table Mountain, here is another sorrow hitting us."

The statement added, "Dennis completed over 40 consecutive entries in the Cape Town Cycle Tour, and his love for the city was evident in every competition, but the city did not return this love. His wife, Sharon, faces an indescribable sorrow today, and a painful reality: the city and country he loved have let us all down."

The statement went on emotionally: "This is what loss looks like; the cycling community has become silent, haunted by the absence of one of its icons. A family torn apart, their laughter replaced by endless tears. A widow holding onto her beloved husband's memories at dawn, questioning why Cape Town has become heartless. Our once-vibrant streets are now covered in fear. From Table Mountain to the city bridges, places of freedom have turned into stages for violence."

They concluded with a plea to the authorities: "Words of comfort are not enough. We want real action: better lighting, stronger policing, and accountability for the perpetrators."

The "Stay Away from the Bike" group held a commemorative event with the "Club 100" cycling club in Cape Town last weekend, in tribute to Hammar.

In their post, they wrote, "Dennis was a husband, a father, and a grandfather… We are deeply saddened by this incident, which is part of a series of assaults against cyclists."

During the event, Ian McMahon, a Cape Town city council member, addressed participants about safety issues in the "Woodstock" and downtown areas, and Craig Sidras delivered a message containing demands and recommendations on behalf of the club to the city council and the cycling association.

Source: Foreign Agencies