Boy, 5, allegedly shot dead by brother “playing with firearm”

THE tragic death of a five-year-old boy, allegedly shot and killed by his minor brother who was playing with a gun while seated in a car, has sparked a call for the enforcement of stricter safety procedures for gun owners.

Police said they were investigating a case of culpable homicide and the negligent handling of a firearm, after Yusha Peer, 5, of Northcliff in Johannesburg, was killed last Sunday.

“A five-year-old was shot inside a car by his older brother, who is a minor and was playing with the firearm. The boy was rushed to hospital and declared dead. No arrests have been made yet. The police are investigating to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,” said Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, spokesperson for the Gauteng police.

It has been alleged that the gun belonged to the boy’s father.

However, Sibeko said they could not confirm at this stage if the gun belonged to the boy’s father or who the vehicle belonged to. She said the matter was still under investigation.

Mahmood Cassim, co-ordinator of the Fairlands Community Policing Forum (CPF) Victim Support Unit, said the boys’ family was receiving counselling from them.

“We are aware of the incident and due to the matter being under investigation, we cannot comment further. It is a sensitive case,” he added.

Johan Booysen, crime expert and former head of the Hawks, said while the incident was tragic, the high levels of crime was driving more and more citizens to obtain guns for protection.

He said it was unfortunate that many gun owners were irresponsible, leading to accidental shootings.

“The unacceptably high levels of crime in our country, especially violent crimes, such as carjackings, home invasions and public violence, together with the government's apparent inability to protect its citizens, is compelling people to take care of their own safety. 

“It has led to an increase in people acquiring guns. But the Firearm Control Act requires gun owners to ensure  their firearms are either kept on their person, or it must be locked away in a gun safe.

“When these laws are not adhered to, then we see accidents which lead to death, or people taking the guns to commit crimes,” he added.

Booysen said while competency training and evaluations regarding the lawful use and safeguarding of guns were a prerequisite for obtaining a firearm licence, when people owned guns for personal protection, it was difficult to ensure that the gun owner was responsible.

“While there have been many incidents of accidental shootings, restricting private gun ownership because of unfortunate and tragic 'accidental' killings, would be akin to throwing the baby out with the bathwater. 

“The negligent and sometimes reckless handling of guns remains an unfortunate reality. It is imperative that gun owners realise that it remains their responsibility to take care of their firearms.

“Abrogating this responsibility, can lead to tragedy and lifelong remorse, and those found to be negligent will be charged accordingly and face the law,” he said.

Mary de Haas, an independent crime expert, said gun owners were not being held accountable and did not face harsh penalties, which leads to irresponsibility in terms of gun storage and safety.

“We have a problem and we have to clamp down on gun ownership. There are too few regulations for guns. Gun owners are not held accountable enough for guns, especially where children gain access to guns that are not stored properly and they end up taking the life of another, or their own life while experimenting with the gun.

“Another problem is that guns are not taken away from those who have protection orders against them, leading to guns being used to further intimidate or even kill the victim. There is a need for harsher punishments for those who are irresponsible gun owners. Parents need to be very careful. They need to store guns correctly.

“Children have died because the gun was not stored safely and too much is lacking regarding controlling gun owners, and ensuring they are responsible,” she added.

Statistics from Gun Free SA, indicated that there was a significant increase in gun licence applications.

According to Dr Stanley Maphosa, Gun Free SA’s executive director, they had embarked on different campaigns aimed at discouraging people from buying guns after noticing that several studies confirmed that owning a gun was a risk.

“There has been an increase in the number of South Africans buying guns for protection and a significant increase in the number of gun licence applications and firearms in South Africa. 

“Since 2020/21, gun licence applications have increased by 45% - from 107 631 to 156 386 in 2023/24.

“Between 2020 and 2023, an additional 48 000 guns were licensed in South Africa.

“It confirms previous research findings stating that the presence of a gun significantly increases the risk of death during robberies,” he added.

THE POST