Gauteng MEC for Education, Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile says the death of learners through violence is deeply concerning.

His comments follow the fatal shooting of two teenagers near Madala Hostel in Alexandra on October 5. The department confirmed that both victims were high school learners. The 17-year-old victim was a Grade 9 learner, while the 19-year-old, a Grade 12 learner.

Maile said the department was deeply dismayed by the loss of two young lives under such circumstances. “Regardless of the circumstances that may ultimately be established by the police investigation, the death of learners through violence is deeply concerning,” he said.

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He said communities have an important role to play in creating safer environments for young people and protecting them from violence, criminality and circumstances that threaten their lives and futures.

“The African idiom teaches us that it takes a village to raise a child,” Maile said. “This tragedy must therefore remind us that protecting and guiding our children requires the involvement of the whole community.”

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While government and law enforcement agencies must continue their work to combat criminality, Maile said they cannot do it alone. Parents, community structures, religious leaders, young people and residents must stand together against crime and promote safer communities.

He also appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward and share it with their local police station. “Communities must work with law enforcement authorities to ensure that those responsible for criminal acts are brought to justice,” he said.

The department said it will provide psychosocial support to the affected school communities.

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