Update
GEORGE NEWS - The investigation into the attempted murder of Sgt Etienne Appels (42), a member of the Conville Crime Prevention unit, who was stabbed just below his neck earlier this month, is being handled by the Hawks.
The accused, Reagan Heyns, was denied bail in the George Magistrate's Court on Monday 22 August.
"The accused remains in custody and the matter has been postponed until 23 September for further investigation," said a spokesperson for the Hawks, Zinzi Hani.
Heyns is a convicted rapist who was out on parole when he attacked Appels on Saturday 6 August.
This was one of the reasons for his bail to be denied. Regional communications coordinator for the Department of Correctional Services Candice van Reenen confirmed that Heyns, who has been on parole since February this year, was sentenced to 20 years for rape in 2012, but served only half of his sentence. The department intends to revoke his parole.
The sergeant had undergone two operations to fix damage to vital arteries. The medical team also had to insert a stent to keep an artery open.
Appels has since been discharged and is recovering at home. He said physically he is doing well under the circumstances, having his good and bad days.
"I'm taking it one day at a time. The doctor is happy with the way my wounds are healing, but altogether I still have a long road ahead of me," he said.
The stabbing happened in Melford Notshokovo Street, Lawaaikamp.
Southern Cape police spokesperson Sgt Chris Spies said after stabbing Appels, the suspect fled the scene on foot in the direction of Thembalethu, where he was later arrested by reinforcements deployed in the area.
He made his first appearance in the George Magistrate's Court on Monday 8 August.
Previous article: Knife attack won't get Sergeant down
'We bring you the latest George, Garden Route news'
