South Africa Mourns the Tragic Loss of Cyclist Dennis Hammar in Cape Town Attack

Edited By : Widad WAHBI

The South African cycling community is mourning the loss of Dennis Hammar, a widely respected figure and veteran cyclist, who died following a violent assault during a bike ride in Cape Town.

Hammar, 76, was cycling from Paarden Eiland towards De Klerk Boulevard in the Foreshore district when he was attacked by an unidentified individual who pushed him off his bicycle and stole his mobile phone. He sustained multiple serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he later succumbed to his wounds.

The incident has provoked widespread anger and grief among cyclists and civil society groups, with renewed calls for enhanced security in areas notorious for high crime rates. “We are deeply saddened to lose yet another life to this disturbing pattern of violence,” said Neil Robinson, CEO of Pedal Power Association. “Despite police interventions, these attacks persist. We urge cyclists to avoid high-risk areas.”

A local Cape Town community group issued a heartfelt statement on social media: “Cape Town, our mother city, breaks our hearts again. Just weeks after the tragic death of a hiker on Table Mountain, we are once more plunged into mourning.”

The statement highlighted Hammar’s deep connection to the city: “Dennis completed over 40 consecutive Cape Town Cycle Tours. His love for the city was evident in every race he rode. But the city did not return that love. Today, his wife Sharon faces unspeakable grief, and a harsh truth: the city—and the country—he loved, has failed us all.”

The emotional message continued: “This is what loss looks like. The cycling community stands silent, haunted by the absence of one of its most beloved members. A family shattered—its laughter replaced by endless tears. A widow clutches memories at dawn, wondering why Cape Town has lost its soul. Streets once vibrant now lie shadowed by fear. From Table Mountain to the city’s bridges, places of freedom have become grounds of violence.”

The group concluded with an urgent appeal to local authorities: “Condolences are not enough. We demand real action: better lighting, stronger police presence, and justice for the victims.”

Over the weekend, the “Stay Wider of the Rider” campaign, in collaboration with the Cape Town cycling club Club 100, held a tribute ride in Hammar’s honor. “Dennis was a husband, father, and grandfather. We are devastated by this tragedy, which follows a disturbing trend of targeted assaults on cyclists,” read a post by the organizers.

During the event, Cape Town City Councillor Ian McMahon addressed safety concerns in the Woodstock and downtown areas. A letter containing community demands and recommendations was also handed over to city officials and the cycling association by Club 100 representative Craig Cedras.