Tebogo Msimanga |
A 32-year-old suspect arrested for negligent handling of a firearm appeared in Mphephu Magistrate’s Court. This is after he gave his 13-year-old son his licensed gun.The father, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his son, was released on R1 000 bail and will appear again in court on 04 May 2022.
Limpopo Police Spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the two suspects were arrested after members of the community noticed that the boy was armed with a firearm while he was playing with his friends and they immediately called the Police.” Upon arrival at the scene, police found the boy armed with a 9mm pistol with an empty magazine and he was arrested. He informed the Police that the firearm belonged to his father.”
Mojapelo said further investigation into the matter led to the arrest of the suspect’s father for allegedly giving his son his licensed firearm for protection. “The 13-year-old boy was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and was released into the custody of his mother.”
He is expected to appear in court on Monday, 04 April 2022 and will be dealt with in accordance with the Child Justice Act.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo Major General Jan Scheepers has commended community members for alerting the Police about the incident which shows the relationship between members of the community and the Police in the fight against crime continues to strengthen.
