A domestic worker from Potchefstroom in North West was seriously injured when her 6-year-old charge accidentally shot her in the behind with a .22 pistol.
The child’s mother has now been charged with the possession of an unlicensed firearm.
The pistol is apparently a family heirloom and the mother didn’t apply for a gun license.
Colonel Adel Myburgh, police spokesperson, confirms the mother has appeared in the magistrate’s court in Potchefstroom on the charge. She was given bail of R1 000 and the case has been postponed until next month.
Myburgh says the charge against the woman stems from the 6-year-old son getting a hold of the weapon.
“The domestic worker was doing the dishes when the incident happened,” Myburgh says.
“While she was busy in the kitchen, the child discovered the pistol in the main bedroom and walked with it to the kitchen, where he shot her.”
The neighbours heard the domestic worker’s screams and called emergency services.
“She was taken to a local hospital. Luckily, she wasn’t shot in the eye – she could’ve been dead.”
Myburgh says police are investigating a case of aggravated assault against the boy’s mother.