A case of attempted murder has been opened against a Newcastle man almost a year after he allegedly shot his friend’s five-year-old son with a pellet gun.
The child allegedly suffered brain damage when the pellet lodged in his eye.
The boy was visiting his father in Newcastle in December last year at the time of the incident.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Lt-Col Nqobile Gwala confirmed a case of attempted murder was being investigated by Newcastle police.
“It is alleged by the complainant that her five-year-old son went to visit in Newcastle. On December 3 2021, the child was allegedly shot by a known suspect with a pellet gun. It was reported that pellet fragments were found in the child’s brain during the surgery. The matter is still under investigation,” she said.
The child’s mother declined to comment.
Her attorney, Eleanor Koali, said the matter was sensitive as it involved a minor child.
“We can confirm that a case has been opened and the SA Police Services are investigating,” she said.
'Incidents inevitable if used incorrectly'
South African Hunter Field Target Association (SAHFTA) chairperson Jan van der Vyver said air rifles were legal in SA if used as dictated by the Firearms Control Act and local municipal bylaws.
“Air rifles can be bought at various outlets, mainly firearm dealers,” he said.
Van der Vyver said pellet gun injuries were not common in SA.
“We as a sporting organisation have had no reported injuries. There hasn’t been a single air rifle incident in any of our organised events. We do not keep statistics or have statistics available outside SAHFTA.
“Air rifles, like any other object, are safe when used in accordance with prescribed rules and instruction. Incidents are inevitable if used incorrectly, during unsafe conditions or in unsafe areas.”
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