Police have arrested a Pretoria father after he shot and critically injured his seven-year-old son in Daspoort recently.

According to police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo, the incident happened on January 1.

“Police can confirm that the father was arrested after he allegedly shot his seven-year-old son on January 1, 2025.”

Masondo said the father was charged with attempted murder and possession of an unlicensed firearm.

“He appeared before Pretoria Magistrate’s Court, and the matter was postponed to January 10, 2025, for a formal bail application.”

It is believed the seven-year-old son is still fighting for his life in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Meanwhile, in other news, the search for two children reported kidnapped in Pretoria West has been called off, with no new leads emerging.

Ward Cllr. Leon Kruyshaar expressed his ongoing concern, stating:

“In a city where shadows move very fast, truth is often the most elusive clue of all.”

He urged anyone with information to contact him, Captain Martin Smit at SAPS Hercules, or local CPF Chairperson Louise van Staden, either directly or anonymously.

Kruyshaar explained that on Thursday, January 2 2025, a report was received of a child abduction in the Daspoort area, prompting SAPS Hercules, the Sector 2 CPF, and the local community to begin an immediate search.

“The child, approximately six years old and wearing a pink onesie, was last seen with an adult male near the R80. Despite extensive searches throughout the night, no new leads were found.”

He said the search continued on Friday, January 3, 2025, until 16:00, but a follow-up on a potential lead yielded no results.

As a result, the search was paused until further credible information was received.

Kruyshaar said on Sunday, January 5, a new report prompted SAPS to reopen the case after a witness claimed to have seen the child being taken against her will by an adult male, matching the original description.

“Despite the efforts of the community and security teams, the search, including checks of sewage and stormwater tunnels, was unsuccessful. Severe weather conditions then forced a temporary halt to the search.”

On Monday, January 6, the search resumed until approximately 14:00 but was paused once again due to the lack of new clues.

He added that the case docket remains open, but active search operations have been suspended until new credible information is received.

Also read: Search for ‘kidnapped’ Pretoria West children called off

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