Sabrina Dean

Bloemfontein - OFM has this morning again received confirmation from police that the man arrested in connection with an assault on two men in Bloemfontein is a police officer.

Provincial police spokesperson Sam Makhele says Christoffel Neuhoff is a sergeant attached to the Boipatong Crime Prevention Unit in Gauteng.

He says Neuhoff lives in Sasolburg.

Makhele says the case is being investigated by the Bainsvlei police and not the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (former ICD).

Although police initially told OFM Neuhoff was arrested on a charge of attempted murder, the current charge is assault GBH. However, Makhele says the investigating officer in charge has said this is likely to be changed to attempted murder by the court.

It is unclear yet whether Neuhoff will be suspended pending the outcome of the case. Makhele has referred OFM to the Gauteng Police for information on any disciplinary steps that might be initiated.

Neuhoff appeared in court yesterday and is currently out on R500 bail.

His next court date is March 20.

OFM has contacted Neuhoff’s defense attorney to offer the accused an opportunity to share his side of the story.
 
No comment has been forthcoming as yet.