Police in Limpopo have confirmed that an 11-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed a farm worker while attempting to shoot at guinea fowls on a farm in Thabazimbi.

The incident occurred on Saturday when the boy reportedly handled his father’s firearm, which discharged and struck the worker, believed to be in his 30s.

Police spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba said officers were called to the scene and found the victim lying on his side with a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the spot.

“The firearm was seized as evidence, and the father of the child has been arrested for negligent handling of a firearm,” Ledwaba said.

The 43-year-old father is expected to appear in court on Monday. Police said investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the shooting.

Provincial police commissioner Thembi Hadebe described the incident as “a sad reminder” of the dangers of allowing children access to firearms.

She urged parents and guardians to ensure that all weapons are properly secured, stressing that “children should never have access to guns under any circumstances.”