The girl was only 12 years old.
Image: SAPS
A man appeared before the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday after a 12-year-old girl died after a hunting expedition.
The 12-year-old girl is from Krugersdorp.
The Free State police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, said the incident took place at the Franshoek Farm, near Ficksburg on Friday, May 29.
Mophiring said the young girl was on a hunting expedition with her father and the suspect.
“It is alleged that on the morning of Friday, May 29, 2026, the deceased's father and the suspect were hunting on the farm when the suspect allegedly accidentally discharged a firearm, fatally wounding the 12-year-old girl,” Mophiring said.
The girl was rushed to a nearby hospital.
“The victim was rushed to a local hospital for medical treatment but was unfortunately declared dead upon arrival at approximately 9am,” Mophiring said.
“The incident was reported to the police by hospital personnel. A case of murder was subsequently registered, and all firearms belonging to the suspect were confiscated for further forensic ballistic testing as part of the ongoing investigation,” Mophiring said.
The man was arrested and charged with murder.
This is not the first incident in the province where a 12-year-old girl lost her life.
A 12-year-old girl from Azaadville died after she was allegedly struck by a bullet during a qurbani incident on Thursday, with authorities investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
Muslims across the country were celebrating Eid al-Adha on the day.
According to information released following the incident, the tragedy occurred at the Jabadus Salaam premises.
Reports indicate that a bull escaped during the Qurbani process. While workers were attempting to put the animal down, it was shot with a rifle, but the shot was unsuccessful. During the ensuing confusion, the manager allegedly drew a firearm and fired several shots.
One of the shots reportedly struck the girl while she was inside a vehicle.
Qurbani, also known as Udhiyah, means sacrifice in Arabic. It is the Islamic ritual of slaughtering a livestock animal during the days of Eid al-Adha to honour the Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham) willingness to sacrifice his son out of obedience to God
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