Eastern Cape: 8-Year-Old Allegedly Shoots and Kills 7-Year-Old Cousin
Mqanduli, Eastern Cape – Tragedy has struck a family in the Eastern Cape after an 8-year-old boy allegedly shot and killed his 7-year-old cousin. Police are investigating the incident, which has also led to charges against the father of the alleged shooter for failure to safeguard a firearm.
According to police spokesperson Captain Welile Matyolo, the incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, prompting the opening of a murder case against the 8-year-old. The Kwaaiman police station is handling the investigation.
Matyolo stated that the child gained access to the firearm in his father’s bedroom. “He pointed it at his nearby cousin, and a shot went off, instantly killing the deceased,” Matyolo explained.
The 48-year-old father now faces a charge of failure to safeguard a firearm. He has been released on a warning and is scheduled to appear before the Mqanduli Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
Given his age, the 8-year-old boy has been referred to social workers for assessment and support. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge as the police gather more information about the circumstances surrounding this devastating event. The community is left reeling from this incident, highlighting the critical importance of responsible firearm ownership and the potential consequences of negligence.
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