Road Rage revenge, 'Biker broke my leg'/South Africa

[PeteSC]

Road rage: 'Biker broke my leg'
12/10/2005 20:48  - (SA)  

 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cape Town - The alleged assailant in a road-rage incident in Cape Town's central business district claimed on Wednesday in court that he acted in self-defence when he kicked a motorist's car, flung him against another car and then threw him to the ground.

Patrick Vermeer told Cape Town magistrate Hennie le Roux that the incident was triggered by an innocent mistake he had made which almost caused his car to collide with accused Shafique Shah's motorcycle.

Shah, of Gillmore Gardens, Tamboerskloof, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.

Vermeer told the court Shah drew up alongside his car after the near-collision, in August last year, and with his left foot kicked Vermeer's car.

Vermeer said the incident happened in slow traffic, and he was able to follow Shah, who pulled off the road in Loop Street.

Vermeer said he approached Shah to apologise for his mistake, but also to say the kick had been unnecessary for his minor transgression.

Driver says he was flung to the ground

As they approached each other, Vermeer could see Shah was in a rage.

Vermeer told the court: "I backed away, but he took a swipe at me and then grabbed me.

"As I tried to wrestle out of his grip, he flung me against a car, and then threw me to the ground."

Vermeer said the impact of landing on the road broke his leg, but he managed to telephone his wife, who called police as well as an ambulance.

Vermeer said he was in hospital for nearly three weeks, and it took him 15 weeks to progress to walking with crutches.

'My intention was to back off'

Vermeer added: "I have never had a fight in my life, so I tried to get away from him. I did not fall to the ground, I was thrown to the ground."

Questioned by defence attorney Fagmil Rajop, Vermeer said: "I did not approach the accused to fight - I did not provoke him, my intention was to back off."

Vermeer said he would consider a civil claim against Shah, if so advised by his lawyer.

The hearing continues on Thursday.