A 16-year-old boy from Sabie, Mpumalanga, is in critical condition after he was allegedly shot in the forehead by police on April 26 while they were chasing a zama zama (illegal miner).

The victim, Success Mokoena, was reportedly standing near the gate of his home when police fired a shot that struck him. He is currently hospitalised and awaiting surgery to remove the bullet from his head.

His mother, Lorrain Mokoena, says she witnessed the shooting.

“There was a loud gunshot. I ran to check and found my son lying in blood,” she said. “I asked the police why they shot him, but they didn’t stop. They just carried on like nothing had happened.”

According to Mokoena, police claimed they were chasing an illegal miner who had jumped into their yard — but she says no one in the family saw this person.

A neighbour rushed the boy to Sabie Hospital, and he was later transferred to Rob Ferreira Hospital for more specialised care.

The family says police refused to help or call an ambulance, and they are now demanding justice.

“We opened a case against the police, but they haven’t said anything to us. My son was shot in his own yard — where he was supposed to be safe,” Mokoena added.

On the day of the incident, Operation Vala Umgodi officers reportedly arrested 38 illegal miners in the area.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli confirmed the operation took place and referred further questions to the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

IPID spokesperson Phaladi Shuping acknowledged receiving media inquiries but had not yet responded by the time of publication.