Mayor’s bodyguard charged with attempted murder
The Mayor's bodyguard, Edwin Ogle, allegedly fired four shots at civilians at a Fairleigh bar.
Mayor, Afzul Rehman’s, bodyguard will appear at the Newcastle magistrate’s court today on charges of attempted murder.
Witnesses say Edwin Brian Ogle (33), who is employed to ensure the safety of Newcastle’s first citizen, fired four shots at civilians at a Fairleigh bar on Friday night.
A patron of the bar, who asked to remain anonymous, said he observed Mr Ogle come into the bar at about 10.30pm and claimed that Mr Ogle became argumentative after having a few drinks.
“The next thing we knew, he was rushing to his car. He reached under the seat, pulled out his gun and fired four shots. Everyone lay on the ground when he started firing shots. It wasn’t like he was firing in the air, he seemed to be aiming at people. It’s a miracle no one was killed,” he said.
Asked if Mr Ogle would retain his position as his bodyguard after facing such serious allegations, Cllr Rehman said that the municipality would find other work for Mr Ogle until the case was finalised.
“A person is to be considered innocent until proven guilty. This incident took place over the weekend while he was off duty. This is just hearsay, but I heard that he was attacked by a mob and his car was beaten up,” said Cllr Rehman. “I have asked the municipal manager to investigate in terms of our own processes. If the investigation shows that he is guilty, we will take action.”
Asked if he still felt safe under Mr Ogle’s care, Cllr Rehman replied, “He holds a sensitive position but we don’t question how he spends his free time as long as he doesn’t report for duty under the influence. Until the investigation is completed, he will not be returning to his current responsibilities. However, in the two years that he has been employed at the municipality as a VIP security guard, he has carried out his duties in an impeccable manner. There has never been an incident prior to this; I would not have tolerated it. I hope that the court will resolve this matter speedily.”
“If the court does find him guilty, I do not see him retaining his current position,” concluded Cllr Rehman.
