Cape Town – Children at Alston Primary school in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal cried in horror as they ran for cover when a gunman unleashed an attack at the school on Tuesday.
Videos of the shocking incident that left a security guard injured went viral on social media.
In one video the kids could be heard crying and seen running around a fence, as a number of gunshots went off.
In another clip, four men overpowered and disarmed the gunman who appeared to be putting up a fight.
KwaZulu-Natal education department has since condemned the violent attack and dispatched social workers to provide much-needed counseling to the traumatised pupils and staff at the school.
Shooting at a primary school in Pietermaritzburg, KZN. A security guard was wounded. One suspect arrested. pic.twitter.com/szalBmWCBu
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) September 28, 2022
“According to preliminary reports, an assailant gained entry into the school premises through the pedestrian gate, attacked the security (guard)and two other adults before opening fire randomly.
“The violent incident took place in full view of learners, who were visibly shocked and traumatised by the chaotic scenes that happened,” the department said in a statement.
The department said the incident was put to an end when the man was constrained.
[SUPPLIED VIDEO] A suspect forced entry into the Alston Primary School, in Pietermaritzburg yesterday where he randomly opened fire inside the premises after wounding a security guard. He was overpowered and handed over to police. #SchoolShooting @DBE_KZN @ewnreporter pic.twitter.com/rhyaptFhg1
— Nhlanhla Mabaso (@_NMabaso) September 29, 2022
“The assailant was subsequently overpowered and disarmed by a ground staff who responded swiftly to arrest the escalating situation. The man was handed over to the police,” the department said.
Education MEC Mbali Frazer said it was troubling that pupils were subjected to such violence and called for schools to become gun-free zones.
“Our teachers and staff are also worried that their lives are at risk. I trust the police to do their work to ensure that a conviction is secured and that jail becomes the final destination for the perpetrator,” said Frazer.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: screengrab
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
