Spotlight on gun laws after KZN teen accidentally killed his brother
A teen was arrested after he allegedly accidentally killed his own brother with a firearm that belonged to a deceased family member.
KwaZulu-Natal police have called on holders of licenced firearms to store them in accordance with the law and to inform them when the owner has deceased, after a teen accidentally killed his brother with a gun that belonged to a deceased family member in Stanger Manor, KwaDukuza.
The incident reportedly happened on Monday, 8 May when the three boys were playing with the firearm. The teen was arrested and has already appeared in the children’s court.
TEEN ACCIDENTALLY KILLED HIS BROTHER ARRESTED
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Colonel Robert Netshiunda said three brothers aged 11, 14 and 15 were reportedly in the house when the eldest brother found a gun. The three were playing with the gun, a shot went off and fatally wounded the 14-year-old.
Netshiunda said investigations into the circumstances that led to the children getting hold of the firearm have already begun.
“Incidents of this nature could be prevented if the next of kin of deceased persons remove the risk by informing police about the existence of such firearms,” the spokesperson said.
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GUNS CAN BE DONATED
Netshiunda said a person who inherits a gun has options to either donate it by offering it to a family member or any person, provided that such a person is in compliance with the law and possesses a licence to own such a firearm.
Deceased person’s firearms can also be handed over to or sold to a registered firearm dealer or an individual or be surrendered to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for destruction.
“Heirs of the deceased person’s firearms may alternatively apply for the deactivation of the firearm with the SAPS,” Netshiunda added.
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