Limpopo cop charged with firearm negligence after his nephew (13) shoots himself
It is reported the warrant officer had left his service pistol in a room unattended.
LIMPOPO – A 43-year-old warrant officer who is attached to the Provincial Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) in Limpopo has been charged in accordance with the Contravention of the Firearms Control Act following the death of his nephew, aged 13.
The incident happened at around 16:30 on Monday, June 21 in at Shayandima in Thohoyandou. According to police spokesperson Brig Motlafela Mojapelo the officer had reportedly left his service pistol, a 9mm Z88 in a bedroom where the child had accessed it and shot himself in the head. He died instantly.
The officer has since been charged with negligent ‘keeping’ of a firearm, he added.
Mojapelo says it is unclear at this stage whether the child shot himself accidentally or committed suicide. “A case of inquest has also been registered.”
Provincial police commissioner, Lt Genl Thembi Hadebe strongly condemned this incident of keeping a firearm in contravention of existing law that resulted in the loss of life. She reiterated that a firearm may not be kept anywhere except in a locked safe or carried in a holster that is worn by or attached to the person of the holder when it is not in use.
She concluded that the accused member will be dealt with accordingly.
