Eastern Cape Horror As Teen Uses Father’s Homemade Gun To Kill 11-Year-Old

A community in the Eastern Cape has been left reeling after an 11-year-old boy was shot dead, allegedly by a 14-year-old who used his father’s homemade firearm.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, in the PhezukweWilo locality in Mqanduli.

Police spokesperson Captain Welile Matyolo confirmed the shooting took place at around 10:30am.

“Kwaaiman police were alerted to the shooting incident, and on arrival at the identified homestead, an eleven-year-old boy had already passed on inside one of the houses,” Matyolo said.

Eastern Cape Father’s Loaded Gun Left in Drawer, Says SAPS

According to police, the teen gained access to his father’s homemade gun, which had been left loaded.

“It is alleged that the 14-year-old boy used his father’s homemade gun, which his father confirmed was left loaded in the drawer of a headboard whilst going to town,” Matyolo added.

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The teenager allegedly fled immediately after the shooting.

“The fourteen-year-old boy’s whereabouts and also the firearm used are not known, and police are still searching for both.

“A case of murder has been opened and an investigation into the matter is ongoing. Charges against the father cannot be ruled out,” said Matyolo.

Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact their nearest police station.

Second Tragedy: Cousin Shot Dead in October

This is the second child-related shooting to rock the province in recent months. In October, an eight-year-old boy shot and killed his seven-year-old cousin after accessing his father’s licensed firearm.

According to SAPS, the child pointed the weapon at his cousin before it discharged, killing him instantly.

Matyolo said: “A case of murder was opened against the eight-year-old boy, whilst a failure to safeguard a firearm charge was laid against the 48-year-old father.”

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