'Child was shooting at guinea fowls': Father in court after 11-year-old kills farmworker
Police have been informed that the child discharged the firearm while attempting to shoot guinea fowl on the farm.
Image: File
The 43-year-old father accused of firearm negligence in the tragic shooting on a Limpopo farm is set to appear in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court this morning, following the death of a farmworker allegedly caused by his 11-year-old son.
IOL previously reported that the incident occurred on Saturday morning, when the child reportedly discharged a firearm while attempting to shoot guinea fowl on the farm. The stray bullet struck a worker, who was later pronounced dead.
Limpopo police have confirmed that the father was arrested and faces charges related to the negligent handling of a firearm. The boy is also expected to appear in court, though it is not yet clear whether formal charges against him will be filed.
Authorities have seized the firearm and a spent cartridge from the scene, and have launched an investigation into how the child obtained access to the weapon, and whether it was stored in accordance with South African firearms laws.
In response to the tragedy, Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed deep sorrow, using the incident to issue a stern warning to firearm owners.
“This heartbreaking case shows just how important it is to keep firearms out of the reach of children,” she said.
“All firearms must be stored in secure locations when not in use, and parents must ensure that children cannot access them under any circumstances.”
Legal experts say today’s court appearance could become a focal point for broader debates around firearm safety, parental responsibility, and whether existing legislation sufficiently protects children and communities in rural areas.
Meanwhile, the farming community remains shaken by the developments. Social workers and local leaders are expected to offer psychological support to the family, particularly to the child, who is reported to be deeply traumatised by the event.
As the case unfolds, all eyes will be on the court this morning for how the charges are presented, whether bail is granted (or opposed), and what further disclosures emerge from prosecutors as they build their case.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News