Boy 13, shoots his teenage friend with grandfather’s pistol

Maokeng: Police are investigating a case of attempted murder after a 13 year old boy reached for his grandfather’s firearm which he allegedly played with and shot another 14 year old boy. 

This incident occurred on Saturday, 04 September 2021 at about 12:15.

It is alleged that on the mentioned date and time the 13 year old boy who stays with his grandparents managed to open the grandfathers safe and took the firearm out.

“The boy allegedly reached the safe keys which were on top of the wardrobe. He unlocked the firearm safe, took out his grandfathers’ 9 mm Norinco pistol and played with it,” says SAPS Brigadier Motansi Makhele.  

“While playing with the firearm a shot went off and his 14 year old friend was shot on the right shoulder inside the house.

“The victim was rushed to Boitumelo Hospital in Maokeng with a private vehicle for medical treatment. He sustained a minor gunshot scratch wound on the right shoulder.

He was discharged immediately after treatment,” Makhele further added.

According to Makhele, the attempted murder docket is still receiving attention and the teenager is not yet formally charged. 

The case will be taken to the Public Prosecutor for consideration.

Another case docket will be opened under the Firearms Act, 2000 for further investigation.

The Acting District Commissioner for Fezile Dabi District, Brig Mapulane Mbeloane appeals to gun owners to keep their firearms safe as required by firearm laws of this country.

“Adhering to the laws by firearm owners would prevent such incidents from happening whereby lives of people around us are placed in danger,” addressed Brigadier Mbeloane.