Counselling for learners and educators after shooting
The learner was taken to hospital and treated for a minor injury.
A 13-year-old boy in Grade Seven, shot himself in the foot during class at a primary school on Thursday, April 21.
According to police reports, he brought his mother’s pistol to a primary school in the South and during class he discharged the firearm and shot himself in the left foot.
He was taken to the South Rand Hospital. Constable Olwethu Nose from Moffatview SAPS said a case of possession of a firearm without a licence and the discharging of a firearm in a public place was opened at the Moffatview Police Station. The matter is still under investigation.
COURIER met with the deputy principal of the school. He said the department will be in a good position to comment on this story, as the school is not allowed to speak to the media.
Gauteng Department of Education’s acting spokesperson Oupa Bodibe responded: “The department is aware of the incident that happened last week Thursday (April 21) at the school, where a Grade Seven learner reportedly brought a gun to the school. The learner apparently pointed a gun at one of the educators and mistakenly shot himself in the foot.
“The learner was taken to hospital and treated for a minor injury. Counselling for learners and educators was provided by the district on the same day of the incident. The educator has been offered a special leave by the department for trauma debriefing and counselling.
“The situation is being monitored by the district and continuous counselling will be provided when a need arises. A case of negligence has been opened against the parents at Moffatview Police Station.”
