Cop’s recovery fight after line-of-duty shooting
Cape Town - For 33-year-old Western Cape Provincial Traffic cop, stationed at George Provincial Traffic Department, Janneke Bergman, life has never been the same again after she was shot and injured nearly five years ago.
Since the incident, Bergman has faced multiple surgeries on her neck and knee. At one point, she was unable to use both legs but can now stand for short periods. She has been moved to an administrative role and suffers from PTSD. Photographs shared by her family with the Cape Argus show her injuries and mounting medical bills, despite her Injury on Duty (IOD) case reportedly being closed, according to claims by her family.
Photographs of her injuries and medical bills were shared with the Cape Argus via her family.
Bergman was shot on August 7 2020 while assisting her colleagues during an arrest near Pacaltsdorp after they had pulled over a motorist.
The suspect, Bonginkosi Ndevu, who has since been sentenced, shot Bergman during a scuffle while the officers were handcuffing him.
Bergman was shot in the cheek and the bullet exited her neck and in her knee and also broke her right ankle.
Speaking to the Cape Argus via her brother, Jaun-Roche Bergman, the officer said she wasn’t the arresting officer but was called to the scene because her colleagues didn’t have handcuffs to execute the arrest.
Bergman said his sister has endured financial and physical hardship since the incident.
“After the incident my sister received numerous surgeries and psychiatric support over the years as it has been crucial for her to receive the necessary medical attention required to contribute towards her well-being,” he said.
“She was also informed by the “George Provincial Traffic Department” that all impending expenditures will be attended to for all possible past and futuristic surgeries that are required and or deemed necessary by medical professions.
“She had numerous engagements with her Department about her IOD (Injury on Duty) case; however she did not receive the necessary and conceivable responses and or reasoning’s concerning the lack of assistance and lack of support she did not receive over the years.”
The Cape Argus approached, Western Cape Mobility Minister, Isaac Sileku’s spokesperson, Muneera Allie said they were aware of Bergman’s claims but challenged it.
“We however refute the claims made against the Department,’ she said.
The Department also confirms that Ms Bergman is employed at the George Traffic Centre at present. Following the incident and upon returning to duties, Ms Bergman has been assigned administrative duties and works within the control centre.
“At present, legal processes are in place attending to Ms Bergman's matter. The Department may be in a better position to respond to the claims once these processes have been finalised.”
Siya Monakali of Ilitha Labantu, an organisation which advocates for the rights of women and children said they condemned the lack of institutional support for officers injured in the line of duty.