Health spokesperson killed in shooting range accident

**Triggernometry** · 20-10-2017, 19:39

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi's spokesperson Joe Maila apparently accidentally shot himself at a shooting range in Silverton in Pretoria, police confirmed on Friday.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lungelo Dlamini said, "A 48 year-old male shot himself at a shooting range in Silverton at around 18:00 on Thursday".
Dlamini said the circumstances surrounding the incident would remain part of an inquest investigation.
"An inquest docket has been opened at Silverton in Pretoria," said Dlamini.

The minister said in a statement on Friday afternoon that it was with a "profound sense of sadness" that he made the announcement about Maila's death.
"He passed on yesterday evening. The circumstances surrounding his death are not yet known to the ministry. Joe Maila is survived by his wife and two children," Motsoaledi said in a statement.
"I appeal to the media and members of the community to allow the family space to deal with his death. Details of his memorial and funeral services will be announced as soon as we receive information from the family."
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Ne...ident-20171020

Only shooting range in Silverton is NSN. Wondering if it was one of their evening 'club shoots'..?
Tragic none the less :(

**Knoffel** · 20-10-2017, 20:45

:( Always bad when these things happen.
RIP, and remember the four rules of firearm safety...

**zguy** · 20-10-2017, 21:40

It's not clear if it was accidental or suicide in the article. Either way condolences to his family.

**Bomag** · 20-10-2017, 22:30

Really bad when these things happen, hopefully they share how it happened in order for others to learn if it was a accident and not suicide

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**Lian** · 20-10-2017, 22:35

I can understand accidentally shooting someone else. But how do you manage to accidentally shoot yourself...
Literally look down the barrel? Eish.

**zguy** · 20-10-2017, 22:37

Originally Posted by Lian

I can understand accidentally shooting someone else. But how do you manage to accidentally shoot yourself...
Literally look down the barrel? Eish.

you can bleed out shooting yourself in the thigh, apparently it's quite common. But there are not enough facts at the moment to draw a conclusion.

**BigT** · 21-10-2017, 08:17

RIP

**zguy** · 01-11-2017, 22:03

Do we know anything more about this?

**Teamcam** · 02-11-2017, 11:54

Condolences to the fam

**Wezza** · 02-11-2017, 12:08

JOHANNESBURG - The funeral service of late health spokesperson Joe Maila is underway at the Potter’s House Church in Polokwane.

Maila died last Thursday after allegedly accidentally shooting himself, at a shooting range in Silverton.

Police are investigating the matter.

Many have described him as a seasoned communicator.
Scores have gathered at the church in Ivy Park, including high-ranking government officials and dignitaries.

On Thursday, during a memorial service, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi refuted the term “spin doctor” which some have used to describe Maila, saying he did his job truthfully and to the best of his abilities.
(Edited by Shimoney Regter)