A member of the Anti-Gang Unit is under investigation after he allegedly shot and killed a colleague during a freak accident.
Police on Sunday confirmed the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) are investigating the death of off-duty AGU officer Sergeant David Hoffman, 40, who was killed in Skool Street, White City, Franschhoek on Saturday night.
According to sources, the shooter, 41, was gutted as he and Hoffman had been close friends.
“They were AGU partners and Sergeant Hoffman was shot in the head,” says the source.
He said the shooter is a well-known cop who had previously worked on a “very high profile multi-murder in the Cape” which resulted in a conviction.
The source says it is alleged Hoffman was having a lekker party but things got out of hand and the police were called.
“There had been a confrontation outside the home and Sergeant Hoffman had called in the police as well as one of his close friends, who is also an officer,” said the source.
KILLED: Sgt. David Hoffman. Photo: Supplied.
“The community members were confrontational and spoke to Hoffman, but left.
“It is alleged that when the officer tried to replace the safety on his firearm, the weapon fired a single shot and hit Hoffman in the head.
“He stayed on the scene trying to assist his colleague, and was arrested there.”
In a statement, police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa confirmed: “A 40-year-old off-duty AGU member was shot and killed yesterday (Saturday) in Franschhoek, in an incident that is the subject of an 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.
“When the shooting, which claimed the life of Sergeant David Hoffman occurred, his colleague was with him.
“The 41-year-old member has since been detained and an Ipid investigation is underway.
“Acting Western Cape Provincial Commissioner, Lt General Sindile Mfazi has expressed condolences to the family of Sergeant Hoffman on behalf of SAPS.”
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