A 49-year-old African male has been arrested following an alleged accidental shooting incident that occurred in Thabong, Welkom in the Free State.
It is alleged that on Sunday, 11 January 2026 at about 23:47 police received a complaint of murder from a local hospital. Upon arrival, police were pointed out to the body of a 22-year-old male. The deceased had a gunshot wound on his chest. He succumbed to his injury after being brought to the hospital by his family and was declared dead in hospital.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the victim was accidentally shot at home by his uncle. It is alleged by the suspect that he thought there was an intruder in the kitchen. He then fired a shot wounding his nephew.
The firearm, firearm license and 7 live rounds were confiscated for further investigations. Circumstances surrounding the shooting incident will form part of police investigations.
The suspect was subsequently arrested. He is expected to appear before the Welkom Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 13 January 2026 on a charge of murder.
