South Africa: Three individuals were hospitalized after a 14-year-old student was shot dead in Elsies River.
A 14-year-old Ravensmead High School pupil was shot dead on his way to school in peak hour traffic in Elsies River on Tuesday, according to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said information indicated that two other victims were taken to hospital for treatment.
“The two other individuals are allegedly not learners. The alleged perpetrators then fled into the grounds of St Andrew’s [Technical High] School as learners were entering the school gates,” Hammond added.
“This caused panic amongst the learners. Some fled the school grounds. The schools in the area immediately went into lockdown mode in terms of safety procedures, however, some parents are collecting their children from the schools,” she said.
Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said reports from the scene indicated that the teens were on their way to school when the shooting occurred.
She said it was alleged that two gunmen got out of a vehicle in Donnegal Avenue and opened fire.
“As a consequence, the 14-year-old was killed and others, aged 15 and 17, were injured. They were transported to a medical facility for treatment,” she added.
Security in the area has been bolstered with additional police deployments.
“The motive for the shooting forms part of ongoing investigation,” Potelwa said.
According to the police, a few metres from the scene where the children were shot, a 55-year-old man was also wounded.
“He is currently in a medical facility receiving treatment,” said Potelwa.
The police said their investigation would determine whether the incident in which he was wounded was linked to the shooting of the pupil.
Meanwhile, the WCED said the shooting affected exams at some schools, and timetables were amended to accommodate the change.
“Our district counselling support team is at the schools to provide support. The WCED NSC (national senior certificate) examination team was also alerted immediately and measures were put in place to ensure that the Grade 12 learners could write their NSC exam and that the integrity of the examination is not compromised,” Hammond added.
The WCED said counselling support was also provided to pupils.
“Security has also been arranged to ensure that the learners feel safe during the examination. Our condolences to the family, friends and the school community of Ravensmead. This is a tragic and sad day for all concerned and we will continue to provide the necessary support,” Hammond said.
Western Cape community police forum board spokesperson Rafique Foflonker described the shooting as “a tragedy”.
“This utterly senseless shooting spree in the vicinity of our schools and our children is absolutely ridiculous. Our deepest heartfelt condolences goes out to the families of those innocent children who became victims of this event,” said Foflonker.
Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional comment.