A 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged with murder after a 51-year-old domestic worker was killed on a Barberton farm in Mpumalanga yesterday (November 14) at about 05:50.

Lowvelder reports that according to Mpumalanga SAPS spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, the weapon believed to have been used, a shotgun, belongs to the teenager’s uncle. According to police, the victim was asleep in an outside room when there was a knock at the door. She was shot, allegedly by the teen, as she opened the door.

Masondo said the teenage suspect informed the police about the incident. “Emergency medical services personnel responded quickly and the domestic worker was certified dead on the scene,” Masondo said.

Investigation and charges

A murder case was opened and the suspect was arrested. In accordance with the Child Justice Act 75 of 2008, the minor was released into the custody of his parents.

The firearm suspected to have been used in the incident has been seized and will form part of the police investigation. Circumstances surrounding the shooting are being investigated and the motive is unknown at this stage.

Meanwhile, police also opened a case of negligent handling of a firearm against the suspect’s uncle, believed to be the weapon’s owner.

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