(MENAFN) An 11-year-old boy in South Africa fatally shot a farm worker while attempting to hunt guinea fowl on a farm in Thabazimbi, Limpopo province, police said. Authorities described the shooting as an “accidental discharge” of the firearm, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation.

The victim, believed to be in his 30s, was found dead at the scene with a gunshot wound. The boy’s 43-year-old father has been arrested and is expected to face charges for negligent handling of a firearm. Both are scheduled to appear in court on Monday. The firearm involved was seized as evidence.

Limpopo police chief Thembi Hadebe emphasized the importance of firearm safety, urging parents and guardians to ensure children do not have access to guns. The incident has sparked concern in the local farming community and reignited debates over parental responsibility and the safe storage of firearms.

This case comes shortly after a similar tragedy in Eastern Cape province, where an eight-year-old boy killed his seven-year-old cousin with his father’s firearm, leading to the father being charged for failing to safeguard the weapon.

MENAFN13102025000045017640ID1110187469