By Becker Semela
The case against a 26-year-old hunter accused of fatally shooting a 12-year-old girl during a hunting trip near Ficksburg, on the Free State-Lesotho border, has been postponed as police continue their investigation.
Ridwaan Makada appeared briefly in the Ficksburg Magistrate’s Court this week. The matter was postponed to 24 August 2026 to allow investigators to complete their enquiries.
Makada remains free on R1,000 bail and faces a charge of culpable homicide.
He first appeared in court on 1 June 2026, days after the death of Bint Mungur.
The incident occurred on 29 May 2026 at Franshoek Farm near Ficksburg during the Eid al-Adha period.
Initial reports suggested the shooting took place during a qurbani event, where a runaway bull reportedly had to be subdued or corralled before slaughter.
However, police later indicated that the fatal shooting occurred during a hunting trip.
According to police spokesperson Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, Makada allegedly fired a shot while the young girl was travelling in a moving vehicle. The bullet struck her, and she later died.
Mophiring said Makada was arrested after the child was declared dead on arrival at a local hospital at about 9am that day.
“He was initially charged with murder, but the court later changed the charge to culpable homicide,” Mophiring said.
He added that investigators believe both Makada and another relative of the girl discharged firearms during the hunt and are still working to establish which shot fatally wounded the child.
“All firearms belonging to Makada have been confiscated for forensic ballistic testing. The results will form part of the ongoing police investigation,” Mophiring said.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, with ballistic evidence expected to play a key role in determining how the incident unfolded.
Franshoek Farm is a well-known hunting destination that attracts visitors because of its variety of game species.
Police and the farm’s owners have continued to urge hunters to adhere strictly to firearm safety protocols. These include always pointing a firearm in a safe direction, being certain of what lies beyond the intended target and ensuring children are kept away from hunting areas and vehicles when firearms are being discharged.
