The quiet community of Temba, north of Pretoria, has been plunged into grief following a tragic shooting that claimed the life of a four-year-old child on Sunday evening. A 38-year-old woman has been arrested after allegedly discharging her firearm while testing it in her yard, with the bullet fatally striking the young child who was playing nearby.
The incident occurred at around 18:30 in Chris Hani Village, a residential area within Temba. According to preliminary information from the South African Police Service (SAPS), a group of children were playing outside when a gunshot rang out from a neighbouring property. Moments later, it became clear that one of the children had been struck by a bullet.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Marinda Austin confirmed that officers were alerted to the incident after Temba Clinic reported that a critically injured child had been brought in for emergency treatment. Despite urgent medical attention, the child succumbed to the injury shortly after arrival at the clinic.
“It is alleged that the woman discharged her licensed firearm while inside her yard,” Austin said. “At this stage, information suggests that she was testing her 9mm Glock firearm when a shot was fired, fatally wounding the child.”
Police later confirmed that the four-year-old sustained a gunshot wound to the right armpit. Investigators are still working to establish the precise sequence of events and how the bullet travelled from the woman’s yard to where the children were playing.
Following the incident, police acted swiftly and arrested the 38-year-old woman. She is facing several serious charges, including murder, negligent handling of a firearm, and discharging a firearm within a municipal area. SAPS also confirmed that the firearm allegedly used in the shooting was seized as evidence and will undergo further forensic testing.
The suspect is expected to appear before the Temba Magistrate’s Court in the coming days, where the charges against her will be formally presented. At this stage, police have not indicated whether the woman intends to apply for bail.
The tragic death has left the Temba community devastated, with residents expressing disbelief and anger that a child’s life could be lost in what appears to have been a preventable incident. Community members have voiced growing concern about firearm safety and the responsibilities that come with owning a gun, particularly in densely populated residential areas where children frequently play outdoors.
Brigadier Johannes Tau, the Temba Station Commander, condemned the incident and issued a strong warning to licensed firearm owners.
“This tragic incident highlights the severe consequences of negligent firearm handling,” Brigadier Tau said. “All firearm owners are reminded that they carry a legal and moral responsibility to handle their weapons safely at all times and to strictly adhere to firearm laws and safety regulations.”
Police have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that all circumstances surrounding the shooting will be thoroughly examined. Authorities have also appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
As the community mourns the loss of a young life cut short, the tragedy has once again underscored the urgent need for responsible firearm ownership and heightened awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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