Charges against a municipal official were withdrawn following his arrest in connection with an alleged shooting incident near Bredasdorp earlier this month.

The 36-year-old suspect, known to Hermanus Times, is reportedly employed by the Overstrand Municipality and resides in Kleinmond.

He was arrested on Wednesday, 14 October, after members of the Napier Farm Watch and police tracked a vehicle he was travelling in from Kleinmond towards the Sandies Glen area.

Shotgun allegedly fired at wood-cutters

The arrest followed a complaint that an occupant of the vehicle had fired a shotgun at people who were sawing wood. Napier police confirmed that bullet marks were found on a bakkie belonging to the complainants.

The vehicle was pursued towards Elim and Bredasdorp before being stopped on the R43, approximately 5 km outside Bredasdorp.

Three firearms and ammunition seized

A search of the suspect and vehicle reportedly yielded a .38 revolver, a 9 mm pistol, a shotgun and ammunition for all three firearms. Police confirmed that all the weapons were licensed and have since been seized.

A case of attempted murder was opened and the suspect appeared in the Bredasdorp Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 16 October. The case was temporarily withdrawn pending further investigation.
Police said the suspect’s specific role at the municipality is unknown and directed enquiries to the Overstrand Municipality. Acting Municipal Manager Edward Jantjies confirmed that the municipality would not be commenting on the matter.

Case may be reinstated

The temporary withdrawal means the suspect has been released without the matter proceeding to trial at this stage. Charges may be reinstated once the investigation is completed. The suspect’s identity cannot be revealed until he appears in court, should charges be reinstated.