Biker killed by fleeing taxi
2010-03-30 09:09
Kobus Pretorius, Die Burger
Cape Town - A wild chase through city streets on Monday claimed the life of a motorcyclist after he was hit by a racing minibus taxi in Heerengracht Street.
The chase happened at about 08:00 when traffic officials followed the taxi after its driver had disregarded a traffic sign and sped off when officials wanted to stop him.
According to police spokesperson Captain Ezra October, the driver of the taxi, apparently a 17-year-old unlicensed driver, drove away from officials at high speed, after which he made several illegal U-turns in Adderley Street, Heerengracht, Strand Street, Long Street and Riebeeck Street.
Sped off
“The taxi driver later crashed into a green Volkswagen Golf but sped off to Heerengracht where he hit the motorbike rider,” said October.
The biker, Kevin Brookes, 51, from Newlands, lost control of his motorbike and collided with a white Volkswagen Polo.
The bottom part of Brookes’s right leg was ripped from the rest of his leg during the accident. According to witnesses, he skidded between 15 and 20m over the road after the taxi hit him.
The taxi driver sped away from the scene but jumped out of the vehicle outside the Naspers building and ran in the direction of the harbour.
October said they found the driver’s ID document in the taxi, which showed that he was 17 years old. At the time of the incident there were no passengers in the taxi.
Critically injured
According to Netcare911 spokesperson Chris Botha, Brookes was critically injured when paramedics arrived on the scene and treated him.
Shocked bystanders watched as paramedics tried for over an hour to save Brookes’s life.
“The patient’s condition deteriorated and he died on the scene due to his injuries.”
October said they were currently investigating a case of culpable homicide but that other charges could later be added on.
The owner of the taxi will hopefully be able to help us find the driver.”
By late Monday afternoon no-one had yet been arrested in connection with the incident.