Lesufi Shocked At Fatal Shooting Of Grade 6 Learner In Katlehong

Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has expressed shock at the fatal shooting of a 12-year-old Grade 6 learner from Mogobeng Primary School in Katlehong who was killed during a shootout between rival taxi association.

“On behalf of the entire education fraternity in Gauteng, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased learner and the grandfather of the Grade R learners.”

The Mogobeng Primary learner left her school to meet with her friend at Izibuko Primary when the deadly shootout happened.

“We want to call upon police that it is their task and mandate to hunt these criminals. We want to urge them to release the 72-hour call that they normally release to have these people arrested within the next 72 hours. If you can’t arrest them, we risk rendering our country into a lawless institution that anyone can do what they wish,” Lesufi said.

The deceased learner was unfortunately caught in a crossfire between rival taxi associations, which also resulted in the fatal shooting of a man, who had come to collect his two grandchildren in Grade R at Izibuko Primary School who were returning from a school trip, the Department said.

The Grade 6 learner was wounded during the shooting. She was rushed to Bertha Gxowa Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries Thursday. Lesufi visited both bereaved families to convey his sincere condolences.

“May they find comfort in knowing that we too share their loss. Furthermore, we strongly condemn such violent acts which threaten the safety of our learners, in and around our schooling environment,” said Lesufi.

A Psycho Social Unit was dispatched by the department to offer support and counselling services at both affected schools, as well as the bereaved families.

Police are investigating the circumstances which led to the incident.