An elderly man has been arrested for the murder of his mentally ill son on Saturday. The 71-year-old man shot his son on the street of Mentz outside Mankweng at around 12 midday.

LOCKING HIMSELF INSIDE THE HOUSE AFTER THE SHOOTING

Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba said they received a complaint of a shooting in the area and quickly rushed to the vicinity and on arrival, found the victim laying on the street in a pool of blood. "Upon further observation, police established that the victim was shot with a firearm on the upper body. Members of the Emergency Medical Services were summoned to the scene and declared a 26-year-old male dead upon arrival," he said. According to Ledwaba, preliminary police investigations indicated that the victim was shot by his biological father who later locked himself inside the house. "Police managed to negotiate with the suspect to vacate the house until he complied and he was later apprehended," he said. 

THE SON WAS MENTALLY ILL

According to a neighbour who did not want to be named, the son had been mentally ill for years and he would chase his father on the streets with an axe sometimes. "He chased his father on the street on Saturday and the old man must have snapped and shot him. This is a sad situation because he loved his son but what he went through cannot be wished on any parent. Can you imagine going to jail for your son's death at that age, its really horrible," the neighbour said. The family refused to speak to ZiMoja.

SENSELESS KILLING

During the arrest, police confiscated a revolver firearm that was used for the commission of the crime with three live ammunition and two empty cartridges. "The motive of the incident is currently unknown at this stage but police investigations are continuing to determine the cause of the murder," Ledwaba added. Limpopo Provincial Police Commissionaire Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has described the incident as unique and senseless. "Parents are supposed to love and protect their children but what the old man has done is very disappointing and I hope that justice will prevail in relation to this horrible incident," Hadebe said. The father is expected to appear before the Mankweng Magistrates Court soon, facing a charge of murder.