Biker injured in N3 hit-and-run crash

An appeal has been made for witnesses of an alleged hit-run crash on Sunday on the N3 highway to come forward.

The crash led to Yashkar Lakhan, 40, president of the Comrades Motorcycle Club, being severely injured and his injuries resulted in the amputation of his left leg above the knee.

It has been alleged that a blue Polo vehicle with an NUZ licence plate crashed into Lakhan’s bike, pushing him off the N3 between the Engen Cato Ridge 1Stop and Hammarsdale.

The Polo driver allegedly fled the scene.

According to the Comrades Motorcycle Club, Lakhan and other club members had gone for a ride on Sunday and were heading toward Durban when the crash occurred.

Lingasen Reddy, the club’s vice president, said: “Our president was riding with a group of our members from our Bikers Lives Matter event in Pietermaritzburg, when a blue Polo pushed him off the road to the barrier,” Reddy said.

He said the Polo’s first three digits were 299. The vehicle allegedly fled the scene. The Bikers Lives Matter event is an annual nationwide initiative aimed at promoting biker safety and awareness on the roads.

“All the bike clubs were invited to the Bikers Lives Matter event. It’s about educating bikers on safety and awareness,” said Reddy.

Following the crash, Lakhan was rushed to the hospital where his left leg was amputated above the knee.

Reddy said that Lakhan’s experience on motorcycles spans more than 10 years, and he is a respected figure in the biking community. He was elected president of the Comrades Motorcycle Club earlier this year.

The club has made a public appeal for any information regarding the incident.

“We are urging the public to let us know if anyone had a dash cam any time between 2:40 pm and 2:45 pm when the accident happened.

“There are quite a few people who have come forward to us to say that they (encountered) the same Polo, which was driving recklessly,” Reddy added.

He said Lakhan was recovering in hospital and his family was drawing strength from the support of the biking community.

“The family is staying strong, relying on prayers from the biking community and friends,” Reddy shared.

Police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the police in Hammarsdale are investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving.

“Reports indicate that the driver failed to stop and assist an injured person.”

Commenting generally on road accidents, Transport MEC Siboniso Duma said: “Speeding, reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol are major causes of road accidents. We are strengthening our zero tolerance campaign with law enforcement officers increasing visibility on the road.

“In addition, we are getting tip-offs from community members. In our meeting with Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Lt General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, we agreed to collaborate to ensure arrests and successful prosecution.”

The Mercury