A 34-year-old man has been arrested for the murder of nine-year-old, Tiano Anthony in Manenberg.

Local police spokesperson, Captain Ian Bennett says the man confessed to accidentally shooting the boy at the house in Towerhok Road.

The suspect was initially arrested by the Anti-Gang Unit for alleged drug possession. But during interrogation it emerged that he apparently lived at the residence. He allegedly sold drugs from there. Bennett says while the suspect was cleaning an illegal firearm, it discharged with a projectile hitting the child in the head. When this happened, Bennett says the household including the child’s mother concocted a story of a rival gang firing shots randomly in the road.

The alleged murder weapon, a 9mm pistol, has been recovered and a 24-year-old man arrested. Bennett says the firearm will be sent for ballistic testing.

The police’s Brigadier Sanele Zama has commended detectives who worked around the clock to bring justice for Tiano. Zama says the detectives will now work towards a speedy prosecution and sentencing to ensure justice prevails.