Siphelele Nketo
THE life of a young firewood collector estimated to be 22 years old was cut short last Sunday, May 24, after his body was found lying in a field with a gunshot wound on the forehead in the village of Bantini, Ngqeleni. It was reported that community members collected firewood in the forest and were confronted by the local man who later opened fire. Police were called and found an injured victim lying near a vehicle used to transport firewood with a gunshot wound to the stomach.
Another victim was taken to hospital by community members. The deceased man sustained a single gunshot wound to the forehead.
Police confirmed the arrest of an old man (76) who was found in possession of a shotgun and pistol.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said that the firearms were lawfully licensed in the suspect’s name. The Post learnt that one of the injured victims had also died.
“The firearms have been confiscated for further investigation,” stated Gantana. She explained that the injured victims were receiving medical attention in the local health facility.
The suspect was expected to appear in the Ngqeleni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, May 26.
