By Teboho Moloi
FICKSBURG – A man accused of fatally shooting a 12-year old girl during a hunting trip has been released on R5,000 bail following his first appearance in the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court.
Ridwaan Makhada appeared in court on Monday, 1 June, after being arrested on 29 May in connection with the tragic shooting incident that claimed the life of the young girl.
According to preliminary information released by the Free State police, the victim, who was from Krugersdorp, was shot during a hunting expedition at a farm near Ficksburg. She later succumbed to her injuries in hospital.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring said the girl had accompanied her father on the hunting trip when the incident occurred.
“It is alleged that the suspect accidentally discharged a firearm, fatally wounding the child. The victim was rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment but was unfortunately declared dead upon arrival at approximately 09:00,” said Mophiring.
He added that all firearms belonging to the suspect had been confiscated and would undergo forensic ballistic testing as part of the ongoing investigation.
Makhada initially faced a charge linked to the fatal shooting, but during his court appearance the matter proceeded as a culpable homicide case.
The court granted him bail of R5,000 and postponed the case to 22 July for further investigation.
The incident has sent shockwaves through both the local community and the victim’s family, while police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting.
