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A tragic incident unfolded on a farm in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, on Saturday morning when an 11-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed a farm worker. His dad has since been arrested for negligence.
Gallo Images/Darren Stewart
- An 11-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed a farm worker in Limpopo on Saturday.
- The boy had been shooting guinea fowl on the property before the incident took place.
- Police arrested the boy’s father.
A tragic incident unfolded on a farm in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, on Saturday when an 11-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed a farm worker.
The boy’s 43-year-old father has since been arrested on a charge of negligent handling of a firearm.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said officers were alerted to the incident shortly after 05:45.
Upon arrival at the scene, they found the victim, who is believed to have been in his thirties, lying on his side with a gunshot wound to his chest.
“Emergency medical personnel declared him dead at the scene,” added Ledwaba.
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Preliminary investigations revealed the child had allegedly been shooting at guinea fowl on the property when he accidentally discharged the firearm, fatally striking the worker.
Police arrested the boy’s father.
The firearm was seized as evidence.
Ledwaba said both the child - who will be dealt with under the Child Justice Act - and his father were expected to appear in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed her concern over the incident and emphasised the need for responsible firearm ownership.
“This heartbreaking incident is a stark reminder that firearms must be handled with the utmost care and securely stored at all times.”
Hadebe said parents and guardians have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that “children do not have access to firearms” under any circumstances.
Police said their investigation into the incident was continuing.
