A police officer has been arrested for the murder of a colleague over the weekend. The case is now subject to investigation by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), and the officer who fired the gun is known to have played a vital role in the conviction of Henri Van Breda, as well as other high-profile cases such as Hannah Cornelius and Jason Rohde.
The officer under investigation reportedly “accidentally” fired his gun while attending a braai with his colleague, who was hit by the bullet.
“A 41-year-old off duty Anti-Gang Unit (AGU) member was shot and killed on [Saturday] night in Franschhoek in an incident that is the subject of an Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) investigation. It is alleged the deceased member was at a premises in Skool Street when a group of community members descended in a confrontational manner and subsequently left. Police were called to the house including a 41-year-old colleague of the deceased,” Brigadier Novela Potelwa said in a statement. “When the shooting occurred which claimed the life of Sergeant David Hoffman, his colleague was with him. The 41-year-old member has since been detained and an IPID investigation is underway.”
Questions are arising as to why an off-duty officer carried his service pistol to a braai with him.
Many are shocked at the incident, as the officer in question is widely known for his excellent skills of investigation – the high-profile cases he has worked on have all resulted in a successful conviction by the State.
As reported by IOL, the suspect was reportedly engaging his firearm’s safety mechanism when the shot went off.
Acting Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Luitenant-General Sindile Mfazi has expressed condolences to the family of Sergeant Hoffman on behalf of the SAPS management.
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