ANOTHER CYCLIST KILLED ON OUR ROADS

MBABANE – Another cyclist has tragically lost their life on the road in less than a year.

This time, veteran cyclist Vitor Oliveira, from Kusekhaya Cycling Club, was fatally struck by a Toyota Quantum minibus while cycling with others on Judges House Road, Thembelihle.  Oliveira succumbed to his injuries while being transported to hospital following the collision with the minibus, which operates on the Mbabane-Mhlambanyatsi route. Sources indicate that the minibus typically transports schoolchildren and was either en route to or returning from dropping them off in the area where the accident occurred.

Cyclist

This is not the first fatal incident involving a cyclist. On September 28, 2024 at 6:07am, at Mfabantfu, along the MR3 Highway (Mbabane Lane), a Land Cruiser LDV, driven by a 55-year-old man from Madlangampisi, collided with two cyclists: Dr Melvin Masango, a 45-year-old from Zimbabwe, who died from his injuries and a 62-year-old from Mahlanya.

According to the police report at the time, Dr Masango sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Raleigh Fitkin Memorial (RFM) Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. The other cyclist suffered minor injuries and received treatment from paramedics at the scene.In another cycling accident reported by this publication last July, Shirley Motsa was struck by a lorry driven by a South African national while jogging on Manzana Road. She was a founding member of the NewComm Wheels Cycling Club, Treasurer of the Eswatini Cycling Association (ECA), a member of the Golden Foot Club and Chief Financial Officer of the National Maize Corporation (NMC).

A police officer at the scene, who identified himself as Constable Dlamini from the Road Traffic Department, confirmed the accident, stating that the cyclists were travelling from Sidwashini towards Eveni. He reported that the lead cyclist was involved in a head-on collision with the minibus, resulting in his death. He urged motorists to be considerate of cyclists when driving on public roads, particularly on sections with sharp bends. “During rush hour, drivers must be especially vigilant and aware of cyclists, as they also use the roads,” he pleaded.

Oliveira’s brother, who was present at the scene, declined to comment and referred all enquiries to the police. However, he did state that the minibus driver was driving on the wrong side of the road, causing the accident.

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