Three suspects have been arrested following the shooting of an 18-year-old learner at Dowerglen High School.
The suspects, aged 31, 33 and 39, were arrested on February 13.
Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Capt Mavela Masondo said the suspects were part of a group of four individuals committing a business burglary in Dunvegan.
Masondo said the group was trying to steal batteries from a Telkom property. Those arrested will face charges of business burglary.
“Tools used to gain entry onto the premises and an Isuzu bakkie were recovered on the burglary scene.”
He explained that the burglary was foiled by security guards.
Also read: DETAILS: SAPS to investigate attempted murder case after learner is shot at Dowerglen High School
Two of the suspects were arrested while still in Dunvegan while the other two fled the area. A police helicopter was called in to assist in the search for the remaining suspects.
“The third suspect was found outside the school property. After reviewing CCTV footage, the suspect was identified as the one who ran through the school property.”
“It is believed the suspect entered the school after being chased by security officers.”
Masondo said the fourth suspect is still on the run.
“The police opened a case of attempted murder. We are still investigating who fired the two bullets which struck the learner. No one has been arrested in connection with the attempted murder case.”
Also read: One learner transported to hospital following incident at Dowerglen High School – SBG
“The bullets were recovered and have been sent to ballistics to be tested.”
Masondo said no firearms were recovered by police.
William Ntladi, the spokesperson for Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), said the learner was rushed to Edenvale Hospital in a stable condition after he was struck by stray bullets.
“On arrival, the boy was found to have sustained upper body gunshot wounds,” said Ntladi.
“One was an entrance and exit wound through the upper right chest while the second wound was on the upper right arm where the bullet was stuck in the flesh.”
Three other learners were treated at the school by emergency services.
One learner was taken to a hospital and treated for shock while the other two were released back into the school’s care after treatment for shock.
Ntladi said DEMS firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene immediately after receiving the call around 11.07am.
Gauteng Department of Education’s spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department’s psychosocial team is providing support and counselling at the school.
Also read: Dowerglen High School learner received advanced life support for “wounds resembling gunshots” – ER24
He thanked the community for assisting the school and said the department will continue to monitor the situation.
The three suspects are expected to appear at the Edenvale Magistrate’s Court soon.
The case will be investigated by Edenvale SAPS.
Masondo urged community members who may have more information about the matter to contact the police on 08600 10111 or 011 553 8600.
