A South African police officer has been convicted of m8rder after he shot and k!lled his 25-year-old son, mistaking him for an intruder.
The incident took place in the early hours of 28 December 2022.
Warrant Officer Vincent Mkhize, 46, who was stationed at Umlazi Crime Prevention (Vispol), was off duty when the incident occurred at his home at around 1 am.
According to the Independent Police Investigation 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 that he had shot his son, Ayanda Gift Mkhize, the officer and his wife, who is a nurse, attempted to render first aid.
The young man was rushed to Isipingo Hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
Shuping confirmed that IPID conducted the investigation and handed the case over to the National Prosecuting Authority.
“The NPA recommended that Warrant Officer Mkhize should be charged for m8rder,” he said.
Mkhize was found guilty as charged by the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court.
The matter was remanded to 2 December 2025 for sentencing, and his bail was extended.