Komsberg assault suspect charged with attempted murder

The police on Monday arrested Chris Silver, aged 33, on charges of attempted murder, negligent driving and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm at Komsberg farm in the //Kharas region.

Silver's arrest follows allegations of having assaulted and driven over Paulus Cleophas with a quad bike last Wednesday at the grape and citrus farm.

//Kharas police crime investigations coordinator Chrispin Mubepo said the arrest took place on Monday, while the suspect appeared in the Karasburg Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.

"The case was postponed to the 30th of March. He was not granted bail and remains in police custody at Ariamsvlei," said Mubepo.

Cleophas claimed that he was assaulted by the suspect while he was on his way to collect wood with a friend.

He said they used a prohibited road on the way to the river and were caught by members of the farm management and security guards.

His friend managed to escape, but Cleophas was recognized in the location by Silver, who chased him on his bike, and assaulted him. Thereafter the suspect reportedly made him lie down on the ground and twice drove over him, before spinning on him.

The company's management opened a case of trespassing against Cleophas. General manager Jacques Clift alleged that Cleophas and his friend packed rocks on the prohibited road. They demanded that Cleophas and his friend leave the farm, but he hasn't left yet due to his injuries.

Meanwhile, Henry Shimutikweni Law Firm has offered to be Cleophas' legal representative in the case on a pro-bono basis.