Chaos erupted in Eldorado Park in Soweto following a shooting that took place at Willow Crescent Secondary School yesterday, which left two learners injured. Since the incident, there has not been teaching and learning at Lancea Vale Secondary and Silver Oaks Secondary, where other violent incidents occurred. Learners have been ordered to go home.
Police officers and safety wardens have been sent to Lancea Vale secondary, Silver Oaks Secondary and Willow crescent Schools in Klipspruit and Eldorado Park, JHB following several gun shots which were heard coming from the schools.
— ZiMoja Lezinto (@ZimojaL) August 15, 2024
More details to follow https://t.co/nle5sLjsxN pic.twitter.com/h2LzLdm2RG
GUN VIOLENCE
Reports state that two armed individuals entered Willow Crescent Secondary School and opened fire, injuring two learners. In a separate incident that took place at Lancea Vale Secondary School also yesterday, a learner was allegedly stabbed. Similar violence is alleged to have occurred at Silver Oaks School, although details are unclear. Community leader and ActionSA Parliamentarian, Dereleen Jame,s said urgent intervention is needed and not just from the police. "Despite heavy police visibility, you see the cops driving up and down, but the shooting still continues. It's so sad that it is now happening at a school. It's not the first time we have reported it. It's not the first time we have asked for additional resources; every second child has a gun in Eldorado Park, "she said.
SCHOOL SAFETY
The Democratic Alliance (DA) reiterated its call to review the school safety strategy to protect learners and educators. "The community of Eldorado Park has been living in fear due to an increase in gang-related activities, yet the Gauteng Provincial Government is not doing enough to intervene. Unfortunately, the violence has now spread over to schools, disrupting learning and teaching and putting the lives of learners, teachers and staff at risk," said Sergio Isa Dos Santos, the DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education.
