Northcliff Tragedy: 5-Year-Old Boy Allegedly Shot Dead by Brother “Playing with Gun”

Experts call for urgent crackdown on negligent firearm ownership in South Africa

A quiet Northcliff community has been left devastated after a five-year-old boy, Yusha Peer, was allegedly shot and killed by his older brother, who was “playing” with a firearm inside a parked car.

The child died on Sunday, shortly after being rushed to hospital. Gauteng police confirmed they are investigating a case of culpable homicide and negligent handling of a firearm. No arrests have been made, but investigators are working to establish who the gun and vehicle belonged to.

A Father’s Gun?

Although it’s been alleged that the firearm may have belonged to the boys’ father, police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said it’s still too early to confirm ownership.

“The boy was shot inside a car by his minor brother who was playing with the firearm. The matter remains under investigation,” Sibeko said.

Family in Shock, Community in Mourning

The Fairlands Community Policing Forum confirmed that the family is receiving trauma support and counselling. Mahmood Cassim, who leads the Victim Support Unit, said:

“It’s a sensitive case. We are aware of the tragedy and supporting the family.”

Experts: ‘This Was Preventable’

Former Hawks boss and crime expert Johan Booysen weighed in, saying that while gun ownership is often motivated by fears around South Africa’s high crime levels, negligent storage and handling are becoming deadly patterns.

“Owning a gun for protection doesn’t excuse carelessness. The law is clear, firearms must be either on your person or locked in a gun safe,” Booysen stressed.

He warned that accidental shootings are on the rise and that owners must take full responsibility for safeguarding their weapons.

“Abrogating this responsibility can lead to tragedy and lifelong remorse. Those found negligent should face the full might of the law.”

Call for Harsher Penalties

Mary de Haas, a veteran crime researcher, says the laws on gun ownership and storage are not being enforced strongly enough.

“There are too many gaps. Children are dying because of irresponsibly stored firearms. Gun owners must be held accountable, especially when kids get their hands on weapons.”

She also highlighted how firearms are sometimes left in the hands of individuals with protection orders, posing additional threats to families.

Gun Ownership on the Rise

Data from Gun Free South Africa reveals a startling surge in gun ownership since the pandemic. According to its executive director, Dr Stanley Maphosa, firearm license applications have increased 45% in just three years from 107,631 in 2020/21 to 156,386 in 2023/24.

“That’s an extra 48,000 licensed guns in circulation. And the presence of a gun in a home significantly increases the risk of death during conflict or robbery.”

The organisation continues to push public awareness campaigns urging people not to buy guns, arguing that they often create more danger than safety.

A Nationwide Wake-Up Call

This latest tragedy is yet another grim reminder that guns in the wrong hands or simply unsecured can have devastating consequences. And when the hands belong to a child, the results are beyond heartbreaking.

As South Africa grapples with a growing gun culture, experts, activists, and traumatised communities are now calling on lawmakers, law enforcement, and gun owners to act swiftly and responsibly to prevent another innocent life from being lost.

“A gun is not a toy. It’s time we stopped treating it like one.”

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com