Father accidentally shoots and kills 7-month-old son

A father has been arrested after he accidentally shot and killed his seven-month-old son with a pellet rifle at their home in Malolo, GaMashabela village under Masemola policing area in Limpopo.

The 36-year-old man was arrested on Sunday, 23 April.

FATHER ACCIDENTALLY SHOT AND KILLED OWN SON

South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in Limpopo Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said police attended to the complaint after the child’s parents rushed him to the local clinic where he was certified dead on arrival, after he suffered a gunshot wound to the chest.

Ledwaba said both parents were interviewed and it was revealed that the child’s father was hunting for birds with a pellet rifle next to their home when the child was accidentally shot.

“The suspect was arrested and charged with murder and police have confiscated the pellet rifle. Investigation is continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Ledwaba said.

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COURT APPEARANCE ON TUESDAY

Acting Limpopo Police Commissioner Major General Jan Scheepers condemned the incident saying communities need to practise safety at all times when handling these types of weapons.

The father is expected to appear before the Nebo Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 25 April 2023.

This article was originally published by NOKWANDA NCWANE.

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