By Levy Masiteng
Three young people have been killed and two others critically injured following a shooting in Westbury, Johannesburg, on Monday, with the Gauteng Department of Education confirming that one of the victims is a learner at R.W. Fick Secondary School.
According to preliminary information received by the department, five young people were shot during the incident. Three died, while two sustained critical injuries.
“At this stage, the Department has confirmed that one of those who was shot is a learner from R.W. Fick Secondary School. Information regarding the other individuals and their possible association with schools in the area is still being verified,” Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile said.
ALSO READ: NPA wins bid to reopen State case in Usindiso Building fire trial
The department said the circumstances surrounding the shooting remained under investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
It said it would not speculate on the motive or circumstances of the incident until the information had been verified by law enforcement authorities.
Police have maintained a visible presence in Westbury, while the department continues to work with SAPS, including the Anti-Gang Unit, and other law enforcement agencies to assess the security situation and determine appropriate interventions.
“We are deeply concerned about the pain being experienced by families who have lost their children and those whose children have been injured. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish those who are injured a speedy recovery,” Maile said.
“The proliferation of dangerous weapons, including guns, in the hands of young people is deeply troubling and requires the attention of society as a whole.”
The shooting has also disrupted teaching and learning at several schools in Westbury.
The department said some learners were unable to attend school or write scheduled School-Based Assessment (SBA) Common Papers and preliminary examinations because of the unsafe environment.
“Learners who missed their SBA Common Papers or preliminary examinations because of the unsafe environment will be afforded an opportunity to write. No learner should be academically prejudiced by circumstances beyond their control,” Maile said.
The department has also strengthened psychosocial support for learners, educators and families affected by the violence.
The Teddy Bear Foundation has been assigned to provide trauma debriefing and child-protection support, while school-based psychosocial programmes will continue to assist learners affected by violence or identified as vulnerable or at risk.
The department said its Head Office School Safety Unit and district officials would monitor conditions at affected schools, while Circuit Management Teams would assess stability at schools daily.
“Operations in affected schools will be guided by the security situation on the ground. The safety of learners, educators, support staff and district officials remains paramount, and we will continue relying on SAPS and other law enforcement authorities to maintain law and order,” Maile said.
The department also expressed concern about possible retaliatory violence and heightened tensions in the community, saying school communities would continue to be monitored and interventions adjusted according to developments.
ALSO READ: Second suspect arrested in Reiger Park murders as police close in on those behind killing of four
“We appeal to parents, communities and young people to protect our children and schools from violence. Whatever conflicts exist outside school gates must never be allowed to endanger children or rob them of their right to education,” Maile said.
The investigation into Monday’s shooting remains with SAPS, while the Gauteng Education Department continues to verify information about the victims and monitor the impact of the violence on schools in Westbury.
