POLOKWANE – The provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe says the death of a Seshego boy (6) who was struck by a stray bullet is disturbing and heartbreaking.

Limpopo police said the circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated as no witnesses in the area reported hearing any gunshots at the time of the incident.

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According to preliminary reports, the boy was playing at a neighbour’s shack in Juju Valley on Friday (July 18) in the presence of his mother and other children before he suddenly collapsed.

“His mother noticed that he was bleeding from the head and sought help from a nearby resident who assisted in transporting the child to a local hospital. Medical personnel conducted an X-ray and discovered that a bullet was lodged in the boy’s head, just above his left ear. Arrangements were immediately made to transfer him to Polokwane for further medical care, but the child passed away before he could be moved,” the Limpopo police spokesperson, Col Malesela Ledwaba said.

He confirmed that a case of murder has been opened at the Seshego Police Station.

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Hadebe has called on the community to assist with the investigation.

“The death of a young child under such disturbing and mysterious circumstances is heartbreaking. We urge anyone who may have seen anything unusual or suspicious on the day of the incident to please come forward,” she said.

Those with information are urged to contact the investigating officer Sergeant Thabo Oliphant on 076 1728 719 or the Crime Stop number on 08600 10111.

“Tip-offs can also be shared via the MySAPS App and can be done anonymously,” Ledwaba said.