Update

GEORGE NEWS - The suspect who allegedly shot provincial traffic officer Janneké Bergman (29) on Friday morning, 7 August, is scheduled to appear in the George Magistrate’s Court today. Bergman was shot twice, in the knee and face.

The man (28) from Khayelitsha in Cape Town was arrested shortly after the shooting, after he was spotted walking along the N2 highway near the Pacaltsdorp industrial area. The suspect was shot twice, in the knee and arm, after he opened fire on the police and law enforcement officials who chased after him.

Police found two firearms, one of which belonged to the traffic officer, and an undisclosed amount of money in his possession.

He faces charged of attempted murder, theft of a firearm, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

According to Southern Cape police spokesperson Captain Malcolm Pojie, no other suspects are sought. “The suspect we arrested was the only one implicated in the shooting incident,” he said.

Traffic officer doing well
This morning Janneké’s sister, Chantal Bergman, said Janneké is doing well and has been transferred out of ICU to a general ward. “She underwent an operation to her knee and is in a lot of pain. We video call on a regular basis and we are just so happy that she is okay and doing better,” said Bergman.

The Bergman family would like to thank the police and traffic officers (municipal and provincial), ER24 and other emergency services for their swift action leading to the suspect’s arrest and attending to Janneké on the scene. “To hospital personnel looking after Janneké, her colleagues and friends, thank you, as well as to everyone who sent messages and for their prayers.”