The last thing I expected to hear this morning.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21455453

It might be an accidental shooting. With South Africa's really high crime rate it looks possible if she arrived so late.

I hope its an accident otherwise he wont have a leg to stand on.........:-o
I'll get my coat.

It wouldn't be the first time a loved one has been shot dead by someone thinking they're an intruder. That's the problem with shoot first, ask questions later.

What a hell-hole it must be to live in, if every shadow in your own home has you reaching for a gun

They have a horrendous problem with murder. I think that it makes America look quiet in comparison. There was a serious problem with rapes as well. Far too many young men unemployed in the country and that is why the crime rate is higher. Not much of a social safety net either so that does not keep them at home watching daytime TV. Also for a small amount you can get anyone killed. Remember that bride last year or so, killed in a so called hijacking?

Yes, three times in the body and once in the head.

Well three accidental and one more to the head just to be sure?

I heard he was denied bail because the judge said he couldn't afford it - it'd cost him an arm and a leg!


Apologies - that was in poor taste. I'm still uncertain as to why anyone would shoot someone without verifying it was an intruder. I might've switched the light on for example. Or had a gunlight/torch and shone it in the "intruder's" face, temporarily blinding them.

You were beaten to it in the joke thread

I suspect the assumption in South Africa is that the intruder is at least as likely to be armed as you are so giving away your position to make sure it's an actual intruder could get you a bad case of dead.

Me, if I was shooting at someone I'd want to be able to see them. If not for target identification, at least to ensure I had a reasonable chance of actually hitting them. Firing off bullets in a dark room is never a good idea, and is very unlikely to have the effect you're intending. Unless you're a member of certain state services who are specifically (and extensively) trained in that kind of thing.

You've still got the element of surprise. After all you know the light is going to come on, they don't.

+1. As Jon says, you can ruin the intruder's vision, startle them and give yourself enough time to know who they are. Either flick the light switch on or momentarily press the torch on your gun. If you recognise the person, hold fire. If not, shoot!

Presumably everyone is taught all about armed combat in the dark from the age of 2 in such a hell-hole. As I said earlier, what a terrifying place to live.

You've still got statistically less chance of being shot to death in SA than in the US.

Even weighted for being wealthy?

An interesting stat though. I've never wanted to go to the US, and that doesn't encourage me.