A thirteen-year-old learner has been arrested after he allegedly shot a school principal inside the school premises. The incident took place at the Primrose Primary School in Germiston in Gauteng this morning.

SHOT WITH THE PARENT'S GUN

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane confirmed the incident and said that he was devastated. Chiloane said that it's reported that the principal saw learners sitting in the foyer and instructed them to take out their workbooks to study. "The Grade 6 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 unfortunately shot him with a firearm. The principal was then rushed to a local medical facility for necessary attention and is currently recovering from his injuries," the MEC said. Chiloane said that police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, however, it is alleged that the firearm belongs to the learner's parent. "Our psycho-social support unit will visit the school on Monday, 19 February 2024, to provide necessary counselling and trauma support. Employee wellness will also assist the principal and employees at the school following this traumatic incident," he added.

LEARNER TO FACE DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Chiloane said the department will be taking necessary disciplinary action against the learner while also monitoring the principal's condition to ensure that he returns to full health. "We are taken aback by the nature of this incident and the manner in which it occurred and we discourage such acts of misconduct at our schools. Our plea is for parents to not refrain from instilling discipline in their children," said Chiloane. 

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the incident. "A 13-year-old teenager was arrested on the morning of 16 February 2024 after he reportedly shot his principal at a local school in Primrose. The 51-year-old principal has since been taken to a local hospital," Nevhuhulwi said, adding that circumstances that led to the shooting are unknown at this stage. "As the police, we have launched an investigation 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 said.