Police in Mqanduli are searching for a 14-year-old boy who shot and killed an 11 year-old, using his father’s homemade firearm.

What Happened

A tragic shooting in the rural PhezukweWilo locality, Wilo A/A in Mqanduli, claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy on Wednesday morning, 10 December 2025.

According to Eastern Cape police, the boy was allegedly shot by a 14-year-old who had access to a homemade firearm reportedly left loaded in a drawer by his father.

The incident took place around 10:30am at a homestead in the village. Kwaaiman SAPS officers responded and found the child had already died from his injuries inside one of the rooms.

Police Response

Police have opened a case of murder and launched a manhunt for the teenage suspect, who fled the scene following the incident. The homemade firearm used in the shooting is also missing.

Preliminary investigations suggest the boy’s father may have left the loaded firearm unsecured before travelling to town. SAPS confirmed that charges against the father are being considered.

“At this stage, we cannot rule out possible charges against the owner of the firearm,” police confirmed in a statement.

Community Impact

Residents of Wilo A/A are reeling from the incident, with many calling for tighter enforcement on illegal and homemade firearms in the area.