Able Seaman Garth Ronald Pasha’s suspension from the South African Navy follows a distressing event involving cyclists in Simon’s Town.
According to News24, Pasha faces attempted murder, reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol, after a CCTV-recorded incident where a white VW Polo struck two cyclists and then left the scene.
Dewald van der Westhuizen, 26, and his coach Mike Moriarty, 57, were the victims.
Chief of the SA Navy, Monde Lobese, condemned the alleged actions, affirming the organisation’s stance against criminality within its ranks. Lobese emphasised the severity of the charges, leading to Pasha’s suspension pending ongoing legal proceedings.
While Pasha secured bail, granted at R5000, the decision met with disappointment and frustration from affected families and the public gallery.
Also read: SA navy man charged with knocking down cyclists granted R5000 bail
Bail conditions include surrendering his driving license and refraining from operating a vehicle throughout the case’s duration.
State prosecutor Keegan Petersen warned severe consequences should Pasha violate bail conditions. Concerns escalated further as the court announced the upcoming date, 16 February, for additional investigations into the case.
Van der Westhuizen’s father, Robert Gouverneur, expressed dismay over the release on bail. He voiced concerns for his son’s health, detailing ongoing surgeries to reconstruct his son’s leg due to the severe injuries sustained in the incident.
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Picture: @Ant_I_R_Legend / X
