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A South African police officer has been convicted of murder after he mistakenly shot and killed his 25-year-old son, believing he was an intruder.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of December 28, 2022.
Warrant Officer Vincent Mkhize, 46, who was attached to the Umlazi Crime Prevention (Vispol) unit, was off duty when the shooting happened at his home around 1 a.m.
According to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), Mkhize allegedly heard noises at the front door of his house that sounded like someone tampering with the burglar gate.
He armed himself with his service pistol and went to investigate.
“Upon opening the front door, he noticed a person at the burglar door and fired two shots. The individual screamed, identifying himself as the officer’s son,” said IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping.
Realising he had shot his son, identified as Ayanda Gift Mkhize, the officer and his wife, who is a nurse, tried to administer first aid.
The young man was rushed to Isipingo Hospital but later died from his injuries.
Shuping confirmed that IPID conducted the investigation and referred the case to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
“The NPA recommended that Warrant Officer Mkhize be charged with murder,” he said.
Mkhize was subsequently found guilty by the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court.
The case has been adjourned to December 2, 2025, for sentencing, while his bail has been extended.
