Police in Giyani, Limpopo, have arrested a 14-year-old boy who took his father’s gun to school to scare off boys who allegedly bullied him.

The incident occurred at Nyukani Education Centre, a private school in Giyani known for its quality education.

The arrest follows after police received information about a Gr 9 learner who was in possession of a firearm at school. Upon arrival, police interviewed the learner and he explained that he wanted to protect himself against boys who bully him after school.

He said the gun belonged to his father and that he did not intend to use it but to scare off the bullies. His father, a 49-year-old man, was summoned to the school where he confirmed that the firearm belonged to him. He said he did not know how the boy accessed the safe where the weapon was kept.

After confirming the gun was licensed and that it belonged to the father, he was arrested along with his son and charged with negligent handling of a firearm. The son was charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm. Both suspects are scheduled to appear before Giyani Magistrate’s Court.