8-year-old charged with murder after allegedly shooting 7-year-old in EC

Eastern Cape police in Mqanduli have opened a case of murder against an eight-year-old boy who allegedly shot and killed his seven-year-old cousin using his father’s firearm.

The incident took place at Nothintwa locality, Ngcwanguba, on Thursday.

A case of negligence or failure to safeguard a firearm has also been opened against the boy’s father.

Police spokesperson Welile Matyholo says the eight-year-old accessed the firearm in his father’s bedroom.

“The eight-year-old boy pointed the firearm at the seven-year-old cousin brother and a shot went off, instantly killing him. A case of murder has been opened against the eight-year-old boy and another case of failing to safeguard a firearm was laid against his 48-year-old father who is due to appear before Mqanduli Magistrate’s Court today, as he was released on warning. The eight-year-old boy has been referred to social workers.”