South Africa: Limpopo Father Arrested After 11-Year-Old Son Fatally Shoots Farm Worker During Guinea Fowl Hunt

https://centralnews.co.za/limpopo-father-arrested-after-11-year-old-son-fatally-shoots-farm-worker-during-guinea-fowl-hunt/

10/12/2025

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene, and the young boy, along with his father, is expected to appear in court on Monday, 13 October 2025. This case adds to growing concerns about firearm-related accidents involving minors in South Africa, where statistics show a worrying trend of child injuries and deaths linked to guns.

Details of the Fatal Shooting

The incident unfolded on a farm in the Thabazimbi area, a rural district known for its agricultural activities and wildlife. According to Limpopo police spokesperson Thembi Hadebe, the boy was handling a firearm during a hunt for guinea fowls when the weapon discharged, striking the farm worker. Guinea fowl hunting is common in Limpopo’s bushveld, often seen as a recreational activity, but it requires strict adult supervision and safety protocols.

Emergency services arrived promptly, but the 30-year-old victim could not be saved and was declared dead on site. The father, whose identity has not been released pending court proceedings, was arrested shortly after. Police investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances, including how the child gained access to the gun and whether proper safety measures were in place.

Hadebe described the event as a stark reminder of firearm risks: “This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder that firearms must be handled with the utmost care and stored securely at all times. Parents and guardians must ensure that children do not have access to firearms under any circumstances.”
The boy, traumatised by the event, will face the court alongside his father. Under South African law, children under 12 are generally not criminally liable, but the focus remains on the adult’s responsibility for negligence.

Broader Context of Firearm Accidents Involving Children

This tragedy is not isolated in South Africa, where firearm-related incidents involving minors continue to rise. According to recent reports, between 1 and 11 February 2025 alone, there were 2,694 cases of assault-related injuries nationwide, with 132 involving firearms. During the same period, 1,550 children aged 2 to 18 received treatment for various injuries, many linked to accidents and violence.

A 2024 report warned that firearm-related homicides among children could exceed 100 by year-end if trends persist. Over the past few years, illegal and mishandled firearms have been tied to more than 1,000 murders and the deaths of 89 children, underscoring the urgent need for better control. Studies from the Children’s Institute at the University of Cape Town highlight that South Africa has a high rate of firearm injuries to children, with urban areas like Cape Town seeing a decrease from 2001 to 2010, but rural incidents remaining a concern.

In Limpopo, where hunting is part of rural life, such accidents often stem from unsecured guns or lack of training. The Firearms Control Act of 2000 aimed to reduce violence by tightening regulations, but enforcement gaps persist, especially in farming communities.

Calls for Responsible Firearm Ownership and Prevention Measures

Police and safety experts are using this case to reinforce messages on gun safety. Hadebe urged parents to lock away firearms, use trigger locks, and educate children on the dangers. Organisations like Gun Free South Africa advocate for child-safe storage laws and community programmes to teach responsible handling.

The incident has also prompted discussions on rural firearm use. Guinea fowl, considered pests by some farmers, are often hunted with shotguns or rifles, but involving children without proper supervision can lead to disasters. Local communities in Thabazimbi have expressed shock, with some calling for awareness campaigns in schools and farms.

Legal experts note that negligent handling charges can result in fines or imprisonment, depending on the circumstances. If proven, the father could face up to 15 years in jail under the Firearms Control Act for allowing access to a loaded weapon.