Police are investigating a murder case after a 7-year old boy was shot dead on the back of his by a stray bullet while he was sleeping. The incident took place in Phola Park, an informal settlement in Phoenix, in the early hours of Sunday, 15 January.

It is alleged that during a quarrel between neighbours, a shot was fired.

The bullet then penetrated the walls where the youngster was sleeping and he was hit in the head.
According to Phoenix Communications Officer Lieutenant Louise Naidoo, officers were called out to the scene and were informed that a shot was fired. Paramedics were called to the scene and the boy was certified dead.

Naidoo added it was becoming a common thing to hear of children becoming victims of crimes committed by adults. "The reckless and irresponsible behavior of mature individuals should not impact on the lives of children and more especially result in their death. We take such crimes as critical cases and work tirelessly on the cases until the perpetrators are apprehended," she said.Naidoo added that no arrests have been made and the investigation in ongoing.