Paralysed man shoots himself with ‘cop's missing gun'

Kimberley - A 35-year-old paralysed man shot himself in an old age home in Prieska during the early hours of on Tuesday. According to information, the deceased was found dead on his bed after he apparently shot himself in the head.

Two staff members, who were on night duty, came across the body of the deceased after they heard the gunshot.

How the man came in possession of the firearm is still unknown, but it is believed that the weapon belonged to a police captain stationed at the Roodepan Police Station in Kimberley.

The officer apparently reported the firearm missing in November 2016. Police could, however, not confirm this and stated that they are currently trying to determine to whom the weapon belongs.

Police spokesperson, Captain Olebogeng Tawana confirmed the incident.

“Prieska police have opened an inquest docket into the death of a 35-year-old man. It appears as if the deceased shot himself. At this stage we suspect no foul play. Our investigation is at a preliminary stage and we cannot confirm the ownership of the firearm at this stage.

“Only after the investigation is completed will we be able to determine the ownership of the firearm and how it came into the possession of the deceased,” said Tawana.

Family members of the deceased were not willing to speak to the media.

The chairperson of the board of the H Du P Picard Old Age Home, Willem van Staden, expressed his shock following the incident.

“We are deeply saddened by it. It is very difficult to talk about it. We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased,” said Van Staden.

The deceased was temporarily staying in the old age following a car accident which left him paralysed.

Diamond Fields Advertiser