A Durban policeman who shot and killed his 12-year-old son after mistaking him for an intruder is expected to appear before the Durban Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday. The incident took place around 10am on Queen Elizabeth Avenue in Manor Gardens, Greyville over the weekend.
On Monday the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), confirmed that it is investigating a case of murder. Lizzy Suping, IPID National Spokesperson said they are investigating a case where a police officer fatally wounded a minor with a service pistol.
Suping said the officer was fast asleep in his home on Sunday morning, when he allegedly heard his son screaming for help. The man allegedly shot and killed his son with a service pistol mistaking him for an intruder.
“It is alleged that on Sunday morning at Manor Gardens a man heard his son shouting for help while sleeping. When he woke up, he saw an unknown man at the window, he fetched his service pistol and fired shots through the window,” Suping said.
Jay Naicker, the police spokesperson said officers from Greyville Police Station were called in after the incident and the child was rushed to hospital. The 12-year-old boy who sustained gunshot wounds on the chest and foot was rushed to hospital following the incident and was unfortunately declared dead.
“He was transported to a local hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. A case of murder was opened by the Mayville police station,” Naicker added.
IPID said a post mortem is being conducted and the officer will be appearing at the Durban Magistrate’s Court to face a murder charge.