Police urge firearm compliance
A 14-year-old boy was fatally shot by his 15-year-old brother in Stanger
After a 14-year-old boy was fatally shot by his 15-year-old brother in Stanger near Durban on Monday, police are urging all next of kin to follow laws pertaining to firearm ownership.
The three brothers, including the youngest who was 11, were reportedly playing with a firearm found in the house.
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“Investigations have begun into the circumstances that led to the children getting hold of the firearm, which reportedly belonged to a deceased family member,” said police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda.
“Incidents of this nature could be prevented if the next of kin of deceased persons remove the risk by informing the police about the existence of such firearms.
“A person who inherits a firearm can either donate the weapon to a family member or any person, provided that person is in compliance with the law and possesses a licence to own such a firearm.
“Deceased person’s firearms can also be handed over or sold to a registered firearms dealer, or be surrendered to the SAPS for destruction.
“Heirs of the deceased person may alternatively apply for deactivation of the firearm with the SAPS.”
He added that ignorance of the law is never an excuse, and anyone who is found to have failed to execute their legal responsibilities will be charged.
“Following the incident, the 15-year-old was subsequently arrested and has appeared in the children’s court,” said Netshiunda.
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