By Levy Masiteng
A 19-year-old Grade 10 learner was shot dead at Ndengezi Intermediate School near Pinetown on Monday.
KwaZulu-Natal police said the victim and the suspect were seen entering the school grounds together before the shooting. The suspect was reportedly dressed in the same school uniform as the learner.
The learner was shot several times and declared dead at the scene. Police have opened a murder case and said the motive for the killing was not yet known.
KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka said the department had received a preliminary report on the shooting.
“According to a preliminary report received by the Department, the male learner was shot on the school premises and subsequently succumbed to his injuries,” he said.
Police and education officials attended the school after the shooting, while forensic teams processed the scene.
“The loss of a learner is always devastating, but for such a tragedy to occur within the school environment is particularly distressing,” said Hlomuka.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of this young learner. My heartfelt condolences go to the learner’s family, friends, fellow learners, educators and the entire Ndengezi Intermediate School community during this extremely difficult time.”
Police said the suspected shooter left the school after the attack and the investigation was continuing.
“The department will continue to provide the necessary support to the affected school community and work with all relevant stakeholders to promote safety in our schools,” said Hlomuka.
Earlier this year, Hlomuka said the province had experienced an increase in incidents of crime and criminality in and around schools, which he said was undermining efforts to maintain safe learning environments.
Police have not disclosed what may have led to Monday’s shooting and have not publicly identified the suspect.
The Education Department said it would avoid speculating on the circumstances of the killing while the police investigation continued.
“I urge everyone to allow law enforcement officials to conduct their investigation without interference,” Hlomuka said.
“I also appeal to members of the community to refrain from sharing unverified information, particularly on social media, as this may cause further pain and distress to the bereaved family and the school community.”
INSIDE EDUCATION
