Six-year-old boy killed by stray bullet in Limpopo
Limpopo police have launched a manhunt after a six-year-old boy was fatally struck by a stray bullet while playing outside a shack in Juju Valley, Seshego, on Friday, July 18.
The tragedy unfolded around 11.45am and has left the local community in shock.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba says the young boy had been playing at a neighbour’s home while his mother sat nearby, watching the children.
The child suddenly collapsed. Alarmed, his mother rushed to his side and found him bleeding from the head. A nearby resident helped transport the child to a local hospital.
Medical personnel conducted an X-ray and discovered a bullet lodged in the child’s head, just above his left ear. Plans were urgently made to transfer him to a hospital in Polokwane for further treatment. However, the child passed away tragically before the transfer could be completed.
Police confirmed that a case of murder has been opened at Seshego Police Station.
“A preliminary police investigation indicates that the child was struck by a stray bullet,” Ledwaba said.
“However, no witnesses in the area reported hearing gunshots at the time of the incident.”
The incident has prompted a strong appeal from the South African Police Service for community assistance.
“The death of a young child under such disturbing and mysterious circumstances is heartbreaking,” said the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe.
“We urge anyone who may have seen anything unusual or suspicious on the day of the incident to please come forward.”
Police investigations are ongoing.
IOL News