KENINGAU: An 11-year-old boy has died after being accidentally shot in the head with a homemade gun while playing at a rubber smallholding in Sook.
The victim was playing with another child at a hut in Kampung Mampulut on Saturday (Oct 10) when a single shot was fired.
He was rushed to Keningau Hospital but was pronounced dead. A post-mortem examination later confirmed he died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Keningau OCPD Supt Erwansyah Abd Basir on Monday (Oct 12)said police were alerted to the incident at 2.35pm and have launched a full investigation.
The weapon involved is believed to be a locally made gun known as a “ginsok.”
“Investigations are focused on how the weapon was obtained, stored, and handled,” Erwansyah said, adding that forensic and ballistic tests are underway to determine exact details surrounding the shooting.
Police are investigating the case under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for child neglect and Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960 for possessing a firearm without a license.
Erwansyah reminded firearm license holders to lock away their weapons safely and warned the public against owning illegal firearms.
He also urged the public not to speculate on the case while investigations continue.
