Case opened against Mark Minnie's friend
Police have confirmed that a criminal case has been opened against the owner of the firearm used in the alleged suicide of author Mark Minnie.
Police believe the owner of the gun, found next to Minnie's body, was negligent.
A charge has now been laid against Minnie's former friend, which is believed to be the owner of the weapon.
Minnie, co-author of the explosive book 'The Lost Boys of Bird Island', was found dead at his friend's farmhouse on the outskirts of Port Elizabeth earlier this month.
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It's believed that Minnie shot himself. A suicide note was also found next to the former police man's body.
"Police have opened a case of negligent safe keeping against the owner of the firearm which is the friend of Mark Minnie," says police spokesperson Priscilla Naidu.
Its alleged that the friend contravened the Firearms Control Act.
"Although the firearm is in the safe, the key should be with the owner at all times."
Ballistic tests have been done on the firearm which police believe will give more clarity to the case.