Limpopo cop awaits DPP decision on firearm negligence case
The 43-year-old warrant officer was charged with negligent handling and keeping of a firearm after his nephew allegedly shot himself with his service pistol on the afternoon of June 21.
LIMPOPO – The matter against a 43-year-old warrant officer who was charged for contravening the Firearms Control Act has been referred to the Directorate of Public Prosecution. The man handed himself over to the Thohoyandou police after his 13-year-old nephew accidentally shot and killed himself with his service pistol.
He has since appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday, 23 June on charges of negligent handling and keeping of a firearm in terms of the Firearms Control Act and was released on warning and awaits a decision from the Directorate of Public Prosecution.
Read more: Limpopo cop charged with firearm negligence after his nephew (13) shoots himself
The deceased who has since been identified as Phethani Kwinda was a Gr 8 learner at Thohoyandou Technical High School. The boy’s grandmother, Mutshekwa Kwinda, said there are no words to describe the family’s loss.
“He was still so young and had such a bright future ahead of him,” she said.
Limpopo Police Commissioner, Lieut Genl Thembi Hadebe condemned the incident that resulted in the loss of a life.
“A firearm may not be kept anywhere except in a locked safe, or be carried in a holster that is worn by the person responsible for it, or attached to the person when not in use, or else the member will be dealt with accordingly.”
Mojapelo said an inquest has been opened and police investigations continue.
The secretary of the Shayandima Central Civic Association, Eric Mphephu, expressed his condolences with the family. Phethani was buried at Ngovhela on 26 June.
