KWAZULU-NATAL – A 12-year-old boy is fighting for his life in a Durban hospital after being accidentally shot in the head by another child during play at a home in Limit Hill, Ladysmith, this week.
The tragic accident took place on Tuesday morning, 25 November, at a house in EJ Smith Crescent, Limit Hill, where several young children were playing together. During their playtime, one of the children gained access to a parent’s firearm, which accidentally discharged.
The 12-year-old, identified as Kendrick Kannemeyer a learner from Limit Hill Combined Primary School, was struck in the head by the bullet. His quick-thinking friends immediately carried him to the nearby Limit Hill Clinic for treatment.
Following initial treatment at Limit Hill Clinic, Kendrick was transported by ambulance to Ladysmith Regional (Provincial) Hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was transferred to Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban, where he underwent emergency surgery.
The young boy has been placed in a medically-induced coma as medical professionals work to save his life. Both his father and mother have accompanied him to Durban during this critical time.
According to Ladysmith police, the other 12-year-old child involved in the incident was taken into police custody on Tuesday morning.
“A 12-year-old suspect was taken into custody by police on Tuesday morning after a shooting incident which occurred in the Limit Hill area. The suspect had allegedly accidentally shot a friend. He has since been released into the custody of a parent. The victim sustained a head injury and is receiving the necessary medical care,” they said in a statement.
The firearm used in the shooting has been confiscated by police as part of their ongoing investigation. The weapon reportedly belonged to a parent in the household.
The Limit Hill community has been left in a state of shock following the accident. The Ladysmith Herald reported that on Wednesday evening, 26 November, residents gathered for a candlelight vigil to show support for Kendrick and his family.
Under South African law, children under the age of 12 cannot be criminally charged. However, children aged 12 and older may be held criminally responsible depending on the specific circumstances and their level of maturity.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will determine how to proceed once their investigation is complete.
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