WITNESSES are being sought in a hit and run accident, which cost a Chatsworth biker his leg after he was allegedly hit by a “reckless and negligent” driver.
Yashkar Lakhan, 40, of Kharwastan, who is the president of Comrades MC (Motorcycle Club), had been returning to Durban, together with fellow club members, when tragedy struck along the N3 highway near the Hammersdale off-ramp on October 6.
Lakhan, who owns and operates a truck maintenance business, had lost part of his leg in the accident and underwent a further amputation at the RK Khan Hospital.
Kallum Govender, a friend and the club’s public relations officer, said they were returning after attending an event by Bikers Lives Matter KZN, in Pietermaritzburg.
He said the aim of the event was to highlight the challenges bikers faced on the road, after several recent accidents and fatalities.
“Sadly, bikers have always been made to seem like a threat to other road users but we are not here to intimidate or belittle anyone. For some of us, this is our only mode or form of transportation.”
Govender said Lakhan was travelling behind six other bikers at the time.
“While travelling, the driver of a dark blue VW Polo was driving quite recklessly and had moved from the left lane to the extreme right, almost hitting two of the bikers. They managed to avoid him. However, the driver started straddling lanes and would not let the other bikers pass.
“In doing this, he almost lost control of his vehicle. He then drove right next to Yashkar and was pushing him off the road. To avoid hitting the metal barrier, Yashkar had extended his left leg, which got ripped from his shin. He then had to have further amputation from just above his knee,” he said.
Govender said the driver of the vehicle failed to stop.
“He didn’t even have the courtesy to stop and check. Instead he sped-off. We also heard that he almost pushed another family off the road and then crashed into a truck. But he still didn’t stop. We are now appealing to anyone that has information, anyone that witnesses the accident or had seen it that could lead to him being found and arrested.
“Yashkar’s life has been greatly affected as he can no longer continue with work or his everyday life as normal. He also doesn't want anyone else, be it a biker or a motorist, to have to go through what he had been through because of a reckless and negligent person.
“We also ask for a little more consideration for bikers because even those who use their motorcycles for work or delivery purposes are in danger due to inconsiderate road users,” he said.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a provincial police spokesperson, said Hammersdale police were investigating a case of reckless and negligent driving.
Anyone who has information with regard to the incident, can contact Govender on 071 397 0505, Lingasen Reddy (vice president) on 072 644 7118 or Lenny Pillay (club’s national president) on 084 505 1793.