A 13-year-old boy from Mpumalanga, South Africa has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting his 15-year-old cousin in the cheek on Saturday, April 6.
According to the South African Police Service, the incident occurred while the teenager was playing with a firearm he had taken from his father’s safe.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Jabu Ndubane confirmed that the boy stole the key to the safe from a wardrobe before accessing the firearm. “It also surfaced that the suspect was playing with a firearm when the unfortunate incident occurred, wherein the firearm was discharged, hitting the cousin. Thereafter, the victim was taken to hospital for medical treatment. Meanwhile, the suspect was taken to the police station,” she said.
Following the incident, the boy’s father has also been charged with negligent handling of a firearm. Authorities have emphasized the importance of securing firearms, particularly in households with children.
The injured cousin is currently receiving medical treatment, and the accused minor has been released into the custody of his parents. He is expected to appear before the Mkobola Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday to face charges of attempted murder.
