Health spokesperson killed in freak shooting range accident

Pretoria - Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi's spokesperson Joe Maila apparently accidentally shot himself at a shooting range in Silverton in Pretoria, police confirmed on Friday. 

Gauteng police spokesperson Lungelo Dlamini said, "A 48 year-old male shot himself at a shooting range in Silverton at around 18:00 on Thursday".  

Dlamini said the circumstances surrounding the incident would remain part of an inquest investigation.

"An inquest docket has been opened at Silverton in Pretoria," said Dlamini.

The minister said in a statement on Friday afternoon that it was with a "profound sense of sadness" that he made the announcement about Maila's death.

"He passed on yesterday evening. The circumstances surrounding his death are not yet known to the ministry. Joe Maila is survived by his wife and two children," Motsoaledi said in a statement.

"I appeal to the media and members of the community to allow the family space to deal with his death. Details of his memorial and funeral services will be announced as soon as we receive information from the family."