Lize McCourt, acting SANParks CEO said on Saturday five rangers had been placed on precautionary suspension pending the finalisation of the investigation.

McCourt expressed regret at the turn of events which left the top cyclist with a broken arm, adding that SANParks was taking the matter seriously "and will afford Mr Dlamini and his family all the necessary support at this stage”.

The incident took place at the Silvermine section of the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) on Friday, and has since attracted a lot attention on social media platforms.

Environment, Forestry, and Fisheries Minister Barbara Creecy has instructed SANParks to ensure that the matter is given priority.

On Friday, SANParks said the cyclist "had suffered a broken arm after he resisted arrest".

According to the TMNP section ranger, the cyclist had entered gate one of the Silvermine section without paying the conservation fee nor showing proof of activity permits when requested. 

"Table Mountain National Park rangers were informed about the incident and upon investigating and finding the cyclist who could not produce his entry ticket or a valid activity permit the situation spiraled, causing the suspect to injure himself during the ordeal," the SANParks statement said.

African News Agency