The decision to grant bail to a motorist accused of killing a cyclist in Camps Bay has sparked widespread outrage, with cyclists, road safety activists and community members calling for accountability and urgent reforms to improve safety on Cape Town’s roads.
The 27-year-old accused was released on R15,000 bail on Wednesday, despite calls for him to remain in custody following the death of 41-year-old cyclist Idries Sheriff. Sheriff, a husband and father, was killed on Tuesday while riding alone along Victoria Road on the Atlantic Seaboard.
Protest at Cape Town Magistrates’ Court
Earlier on Wednesday, a large group of cyclists gathered outside the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court to protest the bail application. The demonstration was both an expression of solidarity with the Sheriff family and a call for stronger enforcement against reckless and drunk driving.
Protesters highlighted ongoing safety concerns for cyclists, particularly along popular but dangerous routes such as the Atlantic Seaboard, where high-speed traffic and limited protective infrastructure remain persistent risks.
Allegations of Speeding and Drunk Driving
According to a petition supporting the protest, Sheriff was struck head-on after the driver, allegedly under the influence of alcohol and travelling at high speed in a high-performance vehicle, lost control, crossed into the oncoming lane and mounted the pavement.
The petition describes cycling as more than a hobby for Sheriff, calling it “a lifeline, a way of reconnecting with himself, his body, and his city”. It places his death within a broader pattern of fatal crashes linked to reckless and intoxicated driving, arguing that such behaviour continues to claim lives with devastating regularity.
Political Support and Calls for No Bail
Western Cape Premier Alan Winde publicly voiced his support for the cyclists and the Sheriff family, backing calls for a tougher stance.
“Thanks to the cyclists and Pedal Power Association that came out today to stand in solidarity with the family of Idries Sheriff. We are calling for no bail and swift justice,” Winde said.
The petition further argues that allowing alleged offenders to walk free undermines public confidence in the justice system and endangers road users, calling for the full force of the law to be applied during prosecution.
Bail Confirmed, Case Postponed
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the bail outcome, stating that the accused, Bongani Mthethwa, was released on R15,000 bail at the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on December 17.
“The case was remanded until 22 April 2026 pending further investigation,” Twigg said.
He also confirmed that, according to reports, the driver of a BMW collided with the cyclist, who was declared dead at the scene.
Renewed Demands for Safer Roads
Beyond opposing bail, petitioners are urging the City of Cape Town and law enforcement agencies to tighten speeding regulations, impose harsher penalties for extreme speeding and drunk driving, and increase the visibility of roadblocks and traffic policing.
Calls have also been made for intensified enforcement during peak cycling and pedestrian periods, particularly on weekends and public holidays, when traffic volumes and risks are highest.
Cyclists have vowed to continue mobilising until meaningful accountability is achieved and tangible steps are taken to make Cape Town’s roads safer for all users. For many, Sheriff’s death has become a painful reminder that without decisive action, tragedy remains only one reckless decision away.
