The 40-year-old AGU officer, who allegedly accidentally shot his colleague in the head on Saturday night, has been released on R1000 bail.
Marlin Appollis, who played a pivotal role in the arrest and conviction of killers Henri van Breda and Jason Rohde, appeared in the Franschhoek Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning.
The top cop allegedly shot his friend and colleague, Sergeant David Hoffman, 41, once in the head.
Hoffman died in his home in Franschhoek.
According to sources, Appollis had allegedly been ‘playing’ with his service pistol when the tragedy occurred.
AGU cop Marlin Appollis was released on R1000 bail. Picture supplied
Ipid (Independent Police Investigative Directorate) spokesperson, Sontaga Seisa, said on Monday: “It’s alleged that there was a braai at a private house attended by the deceased and the suspect.
“The pair were off-duty.
“At the braai, the suspect pulled out his service pistol, and shot dead his 40-year-old colleague. He was shot in the head. The motive for the killing is still unclear, and the Ipid investigation is continuing.”
A colleague says Hoffman and Appollis were very close.
“They were inseparable and worked well together, they even spent their free time in each other’s company.
“We do not understand what happened, but I feel bad for Polly (Appollis). This must be very difficult for him.
“Polly was playing with the safety on his firearm when it went off.”
TRAGIC KILLING: Sgt. David Hoffman, 41
Another colleague said Ipid should also investigate negligence on the part of Appollis, questioning why an off-duty officer would take his gun to a braai.
The accused was granted bail of R1000 and the matter was remanded to 26 August.