Tragic farm accident claims life of worker

Thabazimbi – A community mourns as a young boy faces trauma and a family deals with unimaginable grief. Police in Thabazimbi have confirmed that an investigation is underway after an 11-year-old boy accidentally shot and killed a farm worker on Saturday morning, 11 October 2025.

According to police spokesperson colonel Malesela Ledwaba, officers arrived at the farm around 05:45 to find the body of a man, believed to be in his thirties, with a single gunshot wound to the chest. The firearm and cartridge were seized at the scene, and the boy’s 43-year-old father was later arrested for negligent handling of a firearm. He was released on R3,000 bail and the case was postponed to 12 December 2025 for further investigation.

“This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder that firearms must be handled with the utmost care and stored securely at all times,” said lieutenant general Thembi Hadebe, provincial commissioner of police in Limpopo.

Out of respect for the family and, most importantly, the child involved, Platinum Bushvelder has chosen not to publish their names. The family has requested privacy and did not wish to speak to the media.

A close family friend, who asked to remain anonymous, said that the child is currently in therapy following this tragic ordeal.

We extend our heartfelt prayers and best wishes to the child and the family as they navigate this painful time. We also wish to express our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased farm worker.