Bergman's shooter back in court in 2023

Update

GEORGE NEWS - Video footage of the incident during which provincial traffic officer Janneké Bergman was shot near Pacaltsdorp in August 2020, was shown as evidence in the George Regional Court last week.

The accused, Bonginkosi Ndevu (30) from Khayelitsha, previously pleaded not guilty to all seven charges against him. These include two of attempted murder, possession of illegal firearms, possession of illegal ammunition and pointing of a firearm.

During her testimony in the George Regional Court last week, an emotional Bergman relived the day that changed her life as she told the court her version of what happened.

This was confirmed by video footage that was recorded from a stationary provincial traffic vehicle that was on the scene, as well as the testimony of one of her colleagues on the scene.

The footage shows Bergman and her colleagues struggling to arrest Ndevu as he resists and tries to get away. He finally manages to overpower them and tries to run away, but Bergman hangs on to him.

He then fires two shots in her direction but misses. She tries to get away, but falls down and injures her ankle.

She crawls to the side of the car where Ndevu fires two more shots - one hits her knee and the other her cheek - before taking Bergman's service pistol.

Ndevu then flees the scene with Bergman's service pistol, another firearm and the illegal ammunition he was carrying with him.

He was arrested shortly afterwards when he was spotted walking along the highway. He allegedly opened fire on the two police officers who chased after him. The officers returned fire, wounding him twice.

Two firearms, one of which was Bergman's service pistol, and an undisclosed amount of cash were found in his possession. Ndevu remains in custody in the Eastern Cape.

The case serves in front of Magistrate Emma Moloro and Hanki Marx is for the state. The trial will continue on 12 April next year.

Shooting

Bergman was shot when she assisted two of her colleagues during an arrest after they pulled over a silver Audi A4 in Beach Road, on the bridge near Stanmar Motors.

While officers were handcuffing Ndevu, a fight ensued during which he pulled out a firearm and shot Bergman in the knee and left cheek. The bullet that hit Bergman's cheek exited through her neck, just above her shoulder.

The court heard that Ndevu was initially pulled over for reckless driving when traffic officers noticed he smelled of alcohol and was walking strangely.

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