A 14-year-old boy has been taken to a place of safety after he allegedly shot and killed his 12-year-old friend while they were playing in Alexandra, north of Johannesburg on Sunday.

Police say the older boy got hold of a firearm belonging to his parents and fatally shot his friend.

The 12-year-old boy was taken to hospital where he later died.

Police spokesperson Steven Malatjie says the teenager has been taken to a place of safety.

“Apparently, on Monday night an incident occurred were two friends aged 14 and 12 were playing without any supervision. The 14-year-old managed to get hold of the parent’s firearm and shot the eye of the 12-year-old. The little one was taken to hospital but was confirmed dead.”