Mpumalanga police have launched a manhunt for suspects who fatally shot a 13-year-old boy during a home invasion on Tuesday.
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Leonard Hlathi said the incident took place in the early hours of Tuesday morning while the victim's mother was working a night shift.
The suspects allegedly broke into the victim's Clarinet home near Witbank without realising that the teenager was there.
Brigadier Hlathi said police and the medical personnel were alerted to the incident by neighbours who heard the boy screaming for help followed by a gunshot.
He said upon arrival the victim was certified dead on the scene.
Police believe that the teenager might have realised that his life was in danger before he ran into a room where he locked himself in.
Hlathi said they suspect that the child drew attention to himself when he screamed for help.
He said the suspects stole a television-set before fleeing the scene.
Police are investigating a case of murder and appealed to the public to assist them in nabbing those responsible for the ruthless crime.
