It was an emotional day for the family of slain cyclist Ian McPherson as scores of cyclists gathered at the Fish Hoek sports fields on Sunday morning for a memorial ride to commemorate his life.
Cyclists expressed their condolences to his wife, Aileen, who was supported by family and friends.
Mr McPherson, 68, was robbed of his bike and stabbed to death on March 13 while out cycling near Brigandine Avenue (“Cyclist stabbed to death,” Echo, March 15).
After an official opening by Western Cape Premier Helen Zille, who expressed her condolences to the McPherson family, cyclists made their way to Brigandine Avenue, where a ghost
bike was placed near the place where Mr McPherson lost his
life.
The family expressed their appreciation to Pedal Power Association (PPA) for organising the event and thanked the cycling fraternity for their support.
From there, cyclists made their way to Chapman’s Peak to follow one of Mr McPherson’s favourite routes, over Chapman’s Peak to Bakoven and back.
PPA CEO, Robert Vogel, said the level of violence involved in attacks was alarming.
“The victims have no chance when criminals are prepared to kill in order to steal what they want. The safety of cyclists in South Africa is a key priority for the PPA, and we sincerely hope that action will be taken to secure the safety of cyclists in the area,” he said.
The day after the murder, police arrested two men, one for being in possession of Mr McPherson’s bicycle and the other for being in possession of his cellphone. They face charges of possession of stolen property.
On Thursday, March 15, police arrested another suspect, Blessing Bveni, who was charged with his murder.
The trio appeared in the Simon’s Town Magistrate’s Court on Friday March 16, (Arrests made after cyclist’s murder,” Echo, March 22).
Mr Bveni also faces a charge of murder for the brutal stabbing of Kalk Bay resident, Doug Notten, (“Arrest for knife murders,” Echo, April 26).
