eMalahleni – The Station Commander of Vosman, Brigadier Lindani Ndlovu, has urged the community to practice responsible gun ownership following the tragic death of a 10-year-old girl on Saturday, November 16, 2024.
The child was fatally struck by a stray bullet while playing, leaving the community shocked and grieving.
According to police reports, the bullet was allegedly fired recklessly by an individual using a friend’s licensed firearm.
Investigations revealed that the firearm owner, Nhlanhla Mhlanga (34), had allowed his firearm to be used irresponsibly.
Mhlanga was arrested and charged with reckless handling of a firearm and discharging it in a public area.
He appeared in the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 18 November 2024, where he was granted R2,000 bail. His case has been postponed to 29 January 2025.
Meanwhile, police pursued the actual shooter, Dan Silars (36) who fled the scene following the incident.
He was apprehended on Monday, 18 November 2024, after a thorough investigation, and appeared in the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 20 November 2024, facing a murder charge.
He was remanded in custody on 27 November for a formal bail hearing.
Brigadier Ndlovu expressed his dismay at the circumstances surrounding the incident, pointing to an emerging culture of firearm use at funerals. “What perturbs me is the fact that the suspects were coming from a funeral. This unlawful culture shows no respect for the deceased and demonstrates a lack of community values,” he said.
He added, “If Mhlanga had adhered to the relevant prescripts of the law, this innocent child would still be alive. As police, we are calling on the community to uphold the moral standards we once had and to ensure firearms are handled responsibly.”
The incident has sparked widespread concern, with calls for stricter adherence to firearm regulations and renewed efforts to curb reckless gun use in public spaces.
Police investigations are ongoing.
