13-Year-Old Charged in Cousin Shooting Incident

Boy, 13, Faces Charges for Shooting Cousin with Gun

​A 13-year-old boy from Verena, Mpumalanga, South Africa, has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting his 15-year-old cousin in the cheek on Saturday, April 5, 2025. According to police reports, the teenager retrieved the key to his father’s gun safe from a wardrobe, accessed the firearm, and, while playing with it, the gun discharged, injuring his cousin.

The injured cousin was promptly taken to Verena Clinic for medical attention. The 13-year-old suspect was arrested and subsequently released into the custody of his parents. He is scheduled to appear in the Mkobola Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

In connection with the incident, the boy’s father is also facing charges for negligent handling of a firearm, highlighting concerns about firearm security and child safety. ​