A 25-year-old man, Mpho Mofokeng from Mamelodi, was arrested on Saturday at Pee Jays in Makhado (Louis Trichardt) after he apparently accidentally shot his 20-year-old drinking partner while showing off a firearm.

According to local policespokesperson Insp Ndwamato Vele, Mofokeng and his drinking buddy were enjoying some drinks at Pee Jays when Mofokeng allegedly started bragging about being in possession of a firearm.

At one stage, the two friends allegedly went to the toilet to urinate, when Mofokeng produced the firearm to show it to his friend. It is not sure how they managed it, but at one stage the firearm went off and a bullet struck Mogokeng’s friend in the right side of his stomach.

Insp. Vele said that Mofokeng panicked and ran away, only to be arrested at a tavern in the Madombidzha Village soon afterwards.

The victim was taken to the Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital and later transferred to the provincial hospital for medical treatment.

Upon further investigation, the .38 revolver found at the scene was linked to have been used to rob a security officer in Malherbe Street on Friday, March 2.

Mofokeng appeared before the local magistrate’s court on Monday. His case was postponed until Monday, March 19. He will be facing charges of being in possessing of an unlicensed firearm and armed robbery. Mofokeng was denied bail and he will remain in custody.