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Teenage boy arrested after domestic worker shot dead
A 14-year-old boy is facing a murder charge after a domestic worker was allegedly shot and killed on a farm in Barberton, Mpumalanga, on Saturday morning, 14 November.
The 51-year-old woman was sleeping in an outside room when the teenager approached her door shortly before 6:00.
According to police,as relayed by Yusuf Abramjee, the boy knocked on the door and allegedly opened fire when the woman answered, fatally wounding her.
The firearm believed to have been used in the shooting was a shotgun reportedly belonging to the teenager’s uncle.
Following the incident, the boy allegedly informed police about what had happened.
Officers and emergency medical personnel responded to the property, but the woman was declared dead at the scene.
Teenager released into parent’s custody
Police subsequently arrested the 14-year-old and opened a murder case.
However, due to his age, the teenager was released into the care of his parent in accordance with provisions of the Child Justice Act.
The legislation provides a separate legal framework for dealing with children accused of committing criminal offences.
Although the teenager has been released from police custody, the murder investigation remains ongoing.
Investigators have also confiscated the shotgun believed to have been used in the shooting.
Police have not yet established a motive, and the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death remain under investigation.
Firearm owner also under investigation
The case has also raised concerns about how the teenager allegedly gained access to the weapon.
Police have opened a separate case relating to the negligent handling of a firearm against the boy’s uncle, who is believed to own the shotgun.
Mpumalanga Provincial Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise has warned firearm owners about the serious consequences of failing to secure their weapons.
Modise stressed that licensed firearm owners have a legal responsibility to store and safeguard their weapons properly to prevent unauthorised access.
The commissioner also assured the victim’s family that the circumstances surrounding the shooting would be thoroughly investigated.
As police continue gathering evidence, investigators will seek to establish how the teenager obtained the firearm and what led to the fatal shooting.
The identity of the deceased woman has not been disclosed in the police statement.
14-YEAR-OLD BOY ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY KILLING A DOMESTIC WORKER
@SAPoliceService
A 14-year-old boy was arrested and released to the custody of his parent after he allegedly shot and killed a 51-year-old domestic worker at a farm in Barberton earlier today, Saturday 14 November 2026 at approximately 05:50. He is facing a charge of murder.
It is alleged that the weapon believed to have been used, a shot gun, belongs to his uncle. It further reported that the female victim was asleep at the outside room, when the teenager knocked and upon opening the door, the victim was allegedly shot by the teenager.
The teenage suspect is said to have informed the Police about the incident. The Police and the Emergency Medical Services Personnel responded swiftly and the domestic worker was unfortunately certified dead at the scene.
A murder case was opened hence the suspect was arrested however according to the Child Justice Act, the minor was released under the custody of the parents.
The firearm suspected to have been used in the incident has been seized and will form part of Police investigation. Circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated and the motive is unknown at this stage.
Meanwhile a case of negligent handling of a firearm has also been opened against the suspect’s uncle who is reported to be the owner of the firearm.
The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Apaphia Modise, has send a strong message regarding firearm owners who fail to safeguard their firearms as prescribed by law. The General emphasised that the matter will be thoroughly investigated and ensure that justice is served for the victim’s family.
Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) November 15, 2026
