Nicholas Dlamini, a South African (SA) cyclist, had his hopes of competing for his country in the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics games shattered when his arm was broken by South African Park ranger on Friday.
The incident occurred as Dlamini was pushed up and roughed up against the rangers’ vehicle in an altercation that was luckily recorded by a fellow cyclist.
South African Nation Parks claims to have received a report that a cyclist had entered the national park without paying the mandatory entrance fee.
An altercation then ensued when Dlamini was unable to produce the necessary documentation requested by the park rangers.
Wtf @TableMountainNP @SANParks @VanHaywood. Someone just broke Nic Dlamini’s arm pic.twitter.com/oYQGiTNUPM
— Lawrence Lindeque (@larrymontana) December 27, 2019
Douglas Ryder, head of NTT Pro Cycling put out the following statement:
“NTT Pro Cycling can confirm that rider Nicolas Dlamini sustained a broken arm after being stopped by SANParks officials in the Silvermine section of Table Mountain National Park on Friday.”
He further went on to personally add :
“I was both devastated and appalled to see the video of Nicholas on social media,”
“To watch a young man who I know so well in such unnecessary distress made me feel sick, to be honest.”
“This is a major setback for the Capetonian who had been out on a training ride ahead of a hugely promising 2020 season.”
The incident is now trending on social media leading to a full investigation to be carried out by SANParks amidst the public outrage over such brutal treatment of the cyclist.
Rey Thakhuli, who is acting head of communication at SANParks issued the following statement :
“The rangers were alerted by the gate officials after somebody was seen entering the park without paying the mandatory fee.
“Upon investigation they stopped this man and requested him to produce all the necessary documentation and tickets, which he failed to do and a scuffle ensued.
“We are embarking on a preliminary investigation to determine the facts and all officials are being interviewed and eyewitness are asked to come forward. Video that has gone viral will form part of the investigation. Anyone found to be on the wrong side of the law will be dealt with.”
