Addo ranger accidentally kills baby
Ranger accidentally shoots his child
A year-old girl was killed after she was accidentally shot by an Addo National Elephant Park ranger on Wednesday morning.
Police spokesman Captain Andre Beetge said the ranger, 45, was getting ready for shooting practice when the incident occurred.
“The ranger was in the company of his wife and the year-old girl in their bedroom when he attempted to make his firearm safe. According to both him and his wife, he removed the magazine and then took the rifle (which was hanging from a gun sling) from his shoulder,” Beetge said.
“A shot went off and the bullet hit the wife as well as the little girl. The girl passed away at the scene and the wife, 42, was taken to Livingstone Hospital with a wound in her arm.”
Beetge said the ranger was not arrested, but a murder and attempted murder case has been opened for investigation.
“Ballistic and forensic tests were conducted and the outcomes of those reports will determine the course for the investigation. Other charges in terms of the Fire Arms Control Act 2000 could be added as well,” he said.
Motherwell Cluster Commander Major General Dawie Rabie said: “The police members as well as the forensic experts attending the scene were left shocked and saddened by the girl who lost her life in this incident.
“Firearm owners should always be careful when handling their firearms.”