THABAZIMBI, Limpopo – A 43-year-old father appeared in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court yesterday on charges of negligent handling of a firearm following a tragic shooting incident that claimed the life of a 39-year-old farm worker.
The man was released on R3,000 bail, with the case postponed to 12 December for further investigations. His 11-year-old son, who was involved in the fatal shooting, did not appear in court as he is below the age of criminal capacity and will be handled by the Department of Social Development in accordance with the Child Justice Act.
The names of the father and child may not be released due to the child being a minor.
The tragedy took place on Saturday morning, 11 October, at approximately 05:45 at a farm near Thabazimbi. Frans Modise, a 39-year-old casual worker, was shot and killed when the 11-year-old child was allegedly shooting at guinea fowls on the property.
According to police reports, the child accidentally discharged the firearm, fatally wounding Modise with a gunshot to the upper body. The victim’s brother was present at the scene when the incident occurred and immediately alerted the child’s father, who then contacted police and emergency medical services.
When police officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Modise’s lifeless body with a gunshot wound to the upper left chest. Emergency medical personnel confirmed the death at the scene.
As part of the ongoing investigation, police have confiscated the firearm and cartridge involved in the incident.
Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed deep concern over the tragedy and emphasised the critical importance of responsible firearm ownership.
“This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder that firearms must be handled with the utmost care and stored securely at all times,” said Hadebe. “Parents and guardians must ensure that children do not have access to firearms under any circumstances.”
The incident has reignited discussions about firearm safety and the need for proper storage and supervision when firearms are present in households, particularly those with children.
Police investigations into the matter continue.
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