If you’re cycling anywhere near Hermanus in the next while you may want to pay attention, especially whilst riding in the Hemel en Aarde Valley.

A number of cyclists have been attacked by a man, dressed only in loincloth, who is armed with a stick and a long knife. One unlucky rider actually captured the man on his GoPro camera this past Friday, with this a still from that encounter:

Look closely and you’ll see the watch of a previous victim around his ankle – yeah, scary stuff. Here’s News24:

A cyclist who got close to the attacker believed some traditional ritual, or mental health issue could be involved.

Leon Prak, owner of Hermanus Cycles, said he had been out on a ride with his son on Friday afternoon when he passed three young cyclists who had just been attacked.

The trio had apparently offered their attacker watches and cellphones. Except for the one watch, it seemed as though the other valuables were discarded.

Prak told them to turn back, take his son with them and phone the police.

“I went further along the trail to make sure he didn’t run and disappear. About 50m along, I heard shouting and he was attacking another two people,” Prak told News24 on Tuesday.

He rushed to the aid of the two male cyclists, hoping the assailant would be intimidated by more people.

“He was swinging at them with a stick and knife, going fairly nuts at it. He broke a bicycle frame and helmet. He also left dents in my bike. Fortunately, no one was injured.”

The man did not communicate and eventually fled into the bushes.

“I suspect he is mentally ill or there is some kind of ritual involved because of the crazy way of acting, the way he is dressed and all that.”

According to Western Cape police spokesperson Constable Noloyiso Rwexana cases have been reported of robbery, robbery with a weapon and malicious damage to property.

If I was ever inclined to hop on a bike I think I would give that area a rather wide berth.

[source:news24]

[imagesource:wineanorak]