A tragic accident on Heidelberg Road, near Dekanah Street in Alberton, claimed the life of an unidentified cyclist on Tuesday morning, October 14, 2025. The collision, which occurred around 07:00, caused major traffic disruptions and left bystanders in shock as emergency services rushed to the scene.
According to the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD), the man was struck by a truck while cycling along the busy road. When officers arrived, they found the cyclist had already succumbed to his injuries. He was declared dead at the scene, with no form of identification found on him. The victim has since been recorded as an unknown male while police work to trace his family and confirm his identity.
EMPD spokesperson Amanda Sikhosana confirmed that forensic services were called to collect the body and begin their investigation. “At this stage, we are unable to identify the deceased. We are appealing to anyone who may know of a missing loved one fitting the description to contact the authorities,” Sikhosana said.
The driver of the truck, identified as Ishmael Motaung, appeared deeply shaken when speaking to reporters from the Alberton Record. He explained that he was travelling along Heidelberg Road when other motorists flagged him down.
“They told me I had hit someone. I didn’t see the person, and I didn’t feel it when it happened,” Motaung recounted. “When I stopped and went back to check, I found the man lying there. He was already dead. I’m still in shock and don’t understand how it happened.”
Police at the scene worked tirelessly to manage the growing traffic congestion caused by the accident. The busy Heidelberg Road and surrounding routes, including Dekel Street, were heavily backed up for hours as officers directed motorists and investigators documented the scene.
Authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution when travelling through the area. Motorists heading toward or from the N1, N12, and Alrode South were advised to use alternative routes while clean-up operations continued. The scene was eventually cleared later in the day, but the emotional aftermath remained for those who witnessed the tragedy.
The incident has once again raised safety concerns about cyclists sharing the road with heavy vehicles, particularly along high-traffic areas such as Heidelberg Road. Local residents and commuters have called for improved visibility measures and better infrastructure to protect vulnerable road users.
As investigations continue, the EMPD and forensic pathologists are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the accident. Anyone with information about the cyclist or who may have witnessed the incident is urged to come forward and assist police in their inquiry.
This heartbreaking event serves as a somber reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike on the road. The community of Alberton mourns the loss of another life and calls for greater awareness and responsibility from both motorists and cyclists to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.
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