A 37-year-old father has been arrested in Maololo, GaMashabela village in Limpopo, after accidentally shooting and killing his seven-month-old son with a pellet gun.
The incident occurred on Sunday when the father was hunting birds with the weapon near their home.
According to police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba, the child’s parents rushed him to a nearby clinic where he was declared dead after sustaining a chest wound.
“Both parents were interviewed, and it was revealed that the child’s father was hunting for birds with a pellet gun next to their home when the child was accidentally shot,” he said.
The man has been charged with murder, and the police have confiscated the pellet gun. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspect is set to appear in court on Tuesday.
Acting Limpopo police commissioner Maj-Gen Jan Scheepers has urged people to prioritize safety when handling firearms, stating, “We appeal to our people to practice safety at all times when handling these types of weapons.”
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible handling of firearms to avoid accidents that can result in devastating consequences.
