An Eastern Cape school security guard is set to appear in court on Monday after he allegedly shot dead a 13-year-old schoolboy and injured another pupil on the school premises.
The shooting, which occurred at night at Matafeni Junior Secondary School near Lusikisiki, has left the community shocked and traumatised.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu said the incident happened on Thursday.
“It is alleged that on Thursday at about 6.30pm, a group of about seven children entered the school premises at Mantusini administrative area in the Ntshamathe Locality in Lusikisiki to access the school’s Wi-Fi when the security guard accosted them.
“It is further alleged that they started running when the learners saw the security guard. The guard fired at them, hitting two boys.
“One boy aged 13 years old died at the scene while the other boy, also 13 years old, sustained gunshot wounds and was taken to hospital,” Naidu said.
She said the man fled the scene but was arrested later that evening.
“He is detained on charges of murder, attempted murder, possession of a prohibited firearm — with serial number filed off — and illegal possession of ammunition,” Naidu said.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nomthetheleli Mene said the event was tragic and deeply saddening.
“The suspect is arrested and the matter will be thoroughly investigated to ensure justice.
“Our condolences to the families and community during this difficult time. We wish the injured teenager a speedy recovery.
“This incident is a reminder of the critical importance of appropriate responses in security situations,” Mene said.
Education spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima said MEC Fundile Gade had sent his condolences to the bereaved family.
“As the department, we have opened a case with the police to investigate the incident.
“While their investigation is under way, they have arrested the security guard.
“The department has activated psychosocial support to ensure all affected in the school are debriefing and receive counselling.
“We will also rope in sister departments to ensure the affected families also receive counselling and debriefing,” Mtima said.
Local traditional Nkosi Nomntu Mditshwa, who is also a member of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, said he was shocked by the incident.
“One cannot understand why something like that could happen.
“This is a sad situation but we are happy that the law has taken its course,” Mditshwa said.
She said that she would visit the homes of the two children who were shot, and pray for the speedy recovery of the injured boy.
Port St Johns ward 11 councillor Thembeka Tshikitshwa said the incident came as shocking news.
Civil rights crusader and children’s rights champion Petros Majola of Khula Community Development Project will on Monday visit the bereaved family and that of the injured pupil.
“It is alleged that the security guard used live ammunition and had an unlicensed firearm.
“We will, together with MEC Gade, find a way forward in this matter without interfering with police investigations and without compromising our ethics.
“We will put the child’s best interest in everything we will be doing around this case.
“If it comes to a push, we will [take] the department to court so we get some answers.
“We understand that the incident took place outside school hours but the security guard is employed at the school, so the department of education has to account,” Majola said.
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