A six-year-old boy accidentally shot dead his five-year-old cousin in Gqeberha on Thursday afternoon.

Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, said the incident happened in Bethelsdorp between 13:00 and 14:00.

Naidu said the boy allegedly shot his cousin in the head with a .38 revolver.

According to the police, three children – two boys, both aged 6, and a girl, aged 5 – were playing with the firearm in a room at a house in Extension 31, when a shot went off.

READ | Agri Eastern Cape backs call for increased gun ownership after farmer killed in front of wife

Naidu said an ambulance rushed the girl to hospital, where she died.

The police are investigating charges of culpable homicide and defeating the ends of justice, although no one has been charged as yet.

Naidu said the police added the charge of defeating the ends of justice because the firearm could not be found after allegedly being removed from the scene.

"More charges may be added, and arrests effected as the investigation unfolds," said Naidu.

The South African Gunowners' Association (SAGA) called on gun owners, especially those with small children, to lock their firearms in safes when the weapons were not under their direct control.

SAGA chairperson Damian Enslin said:

SAGA said while it was not clear whether the firearm used was licenced or not, it believed in responsible gun ownership and that all lawful licensed firearm owners should comply with the law.

The Firearms Control Act states that when a firearm is not on the gun owner or under their direct control, it must be locked in a safe that complies with the regulations.

SAGA described the incident as "tragic and terrible".

Gun Free South Africa, an NGO committed to reducing gun violence, could not immediately comment. Their comment will be added once received.

State of the Nation - Weekly

Delivered to your inbox every Thursday, subscribers will receive Du Toit's newsletter-exclusive take on the state of South Africa.

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.