A tragic incident occurred on a farm in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, on Saturday morning when an 11-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed a farm worker while attempting to shoot at guinea fowl.
Police spokesperson Col. Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that officers were called to the scene following reports of a shooting. Upon arrival, they discovered the body of a man, believed to be in his thirties, lying on his side with a bullet wound to the upper left chest.
“The victim was declared dead by medical personnel who attended to the scene,” Ledwaba said.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the young boy had been shooting at guinea fowl when he accidentally discharged the firearm, fatally wounding the farm worker.
The boy’s 43-year-old father has been arrested and charged with negligent handling of a firearm. Police have confiscated the firearm and cartridge as part of their ongoing investigation.
“Both the child (in terms of the Child Justice Act) and his father are expected to appear before the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court on Monday,” Ledwaba added.
Limpopo police commissioner Lt.-Gen. Thembi Hadebe expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for responsible firearm ownership.
“This heart-breaking incident serves as a reminder that firearms must be handled with the utmost care and stored securely at all times. Parents and guardians must ensure that children do not have access to firearms under any circumstances,” Hadebe said.
