A 14-year-old boy lost his life when he allegedly turned his father’s gun onto himself after thinking that he accidentally killed his friend at Tasbet park on 12 February.
Witbank police station commander, Brigadier Sifiso Cele, from the statement reported to the police, said that the two teens were entertaining themselves with the playing station game when one of the friends (the deceased) ordered his friend to his parents’ bedroom. “He said he wanted to show his friend the new takkies which they have bought for him,” Cele said.
Inside the bedroom, the deceased friend allegedly drew his father’s gun which was loaded with two bullets, Cele said. “He allegedly shot past his friend’s eye and thought that he had killed his friend, that’s when he turned the gun unto himself,” he said.
On police arrival, the teen boy was certified dead with a gun wound in his head.
The surviving friend is recovering from the hospital and said he was feeling so saddened for losing a friend in such a way.
Brig Cele sent a strong warning out to all firearm owners to ensure that all their firearms are at all times under their control whether it be in a safe or under their physical possession. He further warned all children to stay away from firearms and refrain from playing with them. Children should alert any adult if they come across any firearm. He lastly sends his condolences on behalf of Witbank police station to the bereaved family.
