KwaZulu-Natal’s Department of Education is responding to two serious incidents of violence involving schools, including the killing of a security guard during a robbery and the shooting of three Grade 12 pupils outside a high school.
The incidents took place on Friday, 18 September, prompting Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka to call for urgent investigations and additional support for affected school communities.
At Bukimvelo High School in the Ezibayeni Circuit, three matric pupils were wounded when an unidentified gunman opened fire on a group of learners leaving the school at about 4pm.
The pupils had attended a Physical Sciences revision session before leaving the premises.
The injured learners were identified as Mthethwa Khetha, Hadebe Thandolwethu and Mahlaba Sbahle. They were taken to hospital after the shooting.
Initial information from the provincial education department indicated that one pupil suffered a serious arm injury that resulted in a fracture, while another sustained injuries to both legs.
Police were notified and launched an investigation. At the time of the department’s statement, the suspected shooter had not been arrested.
Psychological support planned for affected pupils
Hlomuka condemned the shooting and said schools should provide a safe environment in which learners can study and develop.
The department said its Specialised Needs Education Services team would be sent to Bukimvelo High School to provide psychological assistance to pupils affected by the incident.
Circuit managers were also expected to visit the families of the injured learners and offer support.
The MEC said the department would continue monitoring the pupils’ condition and appealed to anyone with information that could assist investigators to report it to the South African Police Service.
The department said the incident highlighted the need for continued cooperation between education authorities, law enforcement and other stakeholders on school safety.
The shooting was one of two serious incidents reported at KZN schools on the same day.
At Inanda Comprehensive High School, a security officer was reportedly killed during a robbery on Friday night.
The circumstances surrounding the fatal robbery have not been fully disclosed, and police investigations are expected to establish what happened and identify those responsible.
Education department to assess security after fatal robbery
Hlomuka expressed his condolences to the security officer’s family, friends and colleagues and said criminals should not be allowed to turn educational institutions into unsafe environments.
The MEC was scheduled to visit Inanda Comprehensive High School on Monday, 21 September, to meet school management, staff and other relevant stakeholders.
The visit is expected to focus on the circumstances surrounding the robbery and measures that could improve security at the school.
The department said it would work with the school and safety and security stakeholders to assess the situation and identify additional measures that may be required.
The two incidents have placed renewed attention on the risks faced by learners and school staff beyond the classroom environment.
While the Bukimvelo shooting occurred as learners were leaving the school, the Inanda incident involved a security officer during a reported robbery at night.
Police investigations into both incidents remain ongoing.
Authorities have appealed to community members who may have information about either case to come forward and assist investigators.
The education department said it would continue supporting the affected school communities while working with law enforcement agencies to strengthen safety measures.