School principal sustained injuries after being shot by a 13-year old learner

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A 51-year-old principal of Primrose Hill Primary School in Germiston, Ekurhuleni is recovering from injuries after allegedly being shot by a Grade 6 boy learner on Friday morning.

According to Gauteng department of education, the incident occurred when the principal saw learners sitting in the foyer and instructed to take out their workbooks to study. 

“The 13-year-old learner allegedly mumbled something in response, but the principal ignored him. He saw the learner again later near the staff room, which is when he was unfortunately shot by him with a firearm,” explained MEC Matome Chiloane.  

The MEC stated that the principal was then rushed to a local medical facility for necessary attention and is currently recovering from his injuries. 

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Gauteng Education MEC @matomekopano is deeply devastated by an incident that took place on Friday, 16 February 2024, where the principal of Primrose Hill Primary School in Germiston was allegedly shot by a Grade 6 boy learner. pic.twitter.com/4rzjfpQXJx

— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) February 16, 2024

He continued; “Our psycho-social support unit will visit the school on Monday to provide necessary counselling and trauma support. 

“Employee Wellness will also assist the principal and employees at the school following this traumatic incident.”

Chiloane said they are taken aback by the nature of this incident and the manner in which it occurred, and they discourage such acts of misconduct at schools.

“We will be invoking necessary disciplinary action against the learner, while also monitoring the principal’s condition to ensure that he returns to full health. Our plea is for parents to not refrain from instilling discipline in their children,” he added.

Some parents who waited outside the school expressed concern at the incident, reports Germiston City News.

Parents were adamant that this was the first time the school experienced an incident of this nature.

“We are shocked and worried, how could this have happened? These are little children and we don’t expect them to be carrying guns to school. We hope we can get clarity on what happened.

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Maybe the school will beef up security and check learners’ school bags,” said a parent.

Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that an investigation has been launched to also establish the origin of the firearm which is seized by the police.

“The teenager is expected to appear before Germiston magistrates’ court soon on a charge of attempted murder,” she concluded.