Johannesburg โ The Gauteng Department of Education has condemned the shooting at a primary school in Germiston where it is believed that a learner shot the principal of the school.
In a department statement, they confirmed the shocking incident occurred on Friday afternoon at Primrose Hill Primary School in Germiston. The principal is currently recovering from his injuries in hospital, while the boy has been taken into custody and is now expected to appear in the Germiston Magistrates Court soon on a charge of attempted murder.
Allegedly, the principal found some Grade 6 boys sitting and loitering in the foyer when he instructed them to take out their workbooks and study. The learner then allegedly muttered something under his breath, that the principal ignored.
“The implicated grade 6 learner allegedly mumbled some words which the principal ignored. The principal saw the perpetrator again later near the staff room and unfortunately, the grade 6 boy learner shot at the principal with a firearm.” Department spokesperson, Steve Mabona, said.
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Gauteng Education MEC @matomekopano is deeply devastated by an incident that took place on Friday, 16 February 2024, where the principal of Primrose Hill Primary School in Germiston was allegedly shot by a Grade 6 boy learner. pic.twitter.com/4rzjfpQXJx
โ Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) February 16, 2024
Gauteng MEC Matome Chiloane is โdeeply devastatedโ by the incident.
“Indeed we are taken aback by the nature of the incident, and just looking at the manner of how this incident occurred, itโs really discouraging when you see such acts happening in our schools.”ย
The department said the pyscho-support unit will be visiting the school on Monday 19 February to provide necessaary counselling andtrauma support, while employee wellness will also assist the principal and staff following the incident.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
