Tragedy on Limpopo Farm as Child Accidentally Kills Worker, Father Arrested

A quiet Saturday morning on a Limpopo farm turned tragic when an 11-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed a farmworker while reportedly trying to shoot at guinea fowl. The incident took place near Thabazimbi and has sparked renewed concern over firearm safety and parental responsibility.

Limpopo police confirmed that the child’s 43-year-old father has been arrested and is facing charges related to the negligent handling of a firearm. According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, officers were called to the scene following reports of a shooting incident on the farm.

“Upon arrival, police discovered the body of an African male believed to be in his thirties. He was lying on his side with a gunshot wound to the upper left chest,” said Ledwaba. “Emergency medical personnel were called, but the man was declared dead at the scene.”

Initial reports suggest that the boy had been using a firearm to shoot at guinea fowl when the bullet struck the farmworker. It is unclear whether the worker was within the child’s line of sight or if the shot was a stray bullet. Police have launched a formal investigation to determine the exact circumstances.

The incident has deeply shocked the local farming community and reignited concerns about the dangers of unsupervised access to firearms in rural homes.

Police confiscated the firearm used in the shooting, along with a spent cartridge, as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities are also examining how the boy came to possess the weapon and whether it was stored in accordance with South African firearm safety regulations.

The father, whose identity has not yet been released, is expected to appear in the Thabazimbi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 13 October 2025. His son will also appear in court, though it remains to be seen whether charges will be formally brought against the child.

Limpopo police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe expressed sorrow over the incident and used the tragedy to remind firearm owners of their responsibilities.

“This heartbreaking case shows just how important it is to keep firearms out of the reach of children,” said Hadebe. “All firearms must be stored in secure locations when not in use, and parents must ensure that children cannot access them under any circumstances.”

Legal experts say the case is likely to prompt wider discussions around gun ownership and child safety in South Africa, particularly in rural areas where firearms are often kept for hunting or security purposes.

Community members and social workers are also expected to offer trauma support to the boy, who is said to be devastated by what happened.

As police continue to investigate, the incident has left one man dead, a child traumatised, and a father facing serious legal consequences — a sobering reminder of the life-and-death risks tied to firearm negligence.