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Nelson Mandela Bay Ward One councillor, Dries van der Westhuizen has warned cyclists to be extra vigilant and not cycle alone along the Gqeberha beachfront after recent attacks.
News of these attacks have been doing the rounds on social media, but could not be confirmed by the police.
One local resident said in a post, "Someone I know got pushed off her bike one morning before 07:00 on the walkway by Kings Beach lake. She is going to have stitches from the cut on her palm. After feeling her all over for a phone, the robbers cut her waistcoat pocket off with the phone inside. The two tall, thin Africans ran off towards the bush, luckily, they did not take the bike. Be careful."
Another local resident saw an attempted robbery taking place near the S-bend two weekends ago. The resident, who prefers to remain anonymous, told PE Express she was cycling on the pavement towards the bridge. "The next moment two people were shouting at guys on the train tracks and a man on the pavement pulled his gun out. The lady started running in my direction. They were two police officers dressed in civialian clothes.
"Apparently, the guys on the tracks robbed two people earlier and were trying to rob two girls on their bikes when they encountered the police officers. It is nice to know the police is out protecting us (cyclists)," she said.
Nelson Mandela Bay Ward one councillor, Dries van der Westhuizen said it is always safer if cyclists go in pairs or groups. Other safety measures can include letting people know before going out, and sharing your cycling route.
"Also avoid displaying valuables such as gadgets and Airpods. Although it might be nice to listen to some music as you go on your route, it attracts criminals, so rather keep those out of reach. Then lastly, avoid cycling in the dark, and always have pepper spray or some sort of defense on you should anything happen," he concluded.
Ward Two councillor, Renaldo Gouws confirms that more robberies have been happening on the beach front, however more safety measures are being put in place. "We are in the process of installing cameras. It's only a syndicate or two that are doing these things, but the beachfront is still relatively safe. We want locals to feel safe again, and enjoy the beach like previous times, and not only during summer, but all year round," Gouws explained.
