Primrose school shooting: boy released in mother’s care
The boy (13) faces charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm.
The Grade Six boy accused of shooting Primrose Primary School principal Noko Selepe (51) on February 16 was placed in the sole care of his mother.
The boy (13), charged with attempted murder and illegal possession of a firearm, appeared Germiston Magistrate’s Court on February 19 when the case was postponed to March 19.
It is believed the boy also planned on shooting his deputy principal and class teacher. Selepe was shot once and is recovering in an Alberton medical facility.
Bedfordview SAPS is investigating a case of negligence of safekeeping of a firearm against the boy’s father.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the school on Monday.
“This comes as a shock to us all, especially because this happened at a primary school,” said Chiloane.
@bedfordview.edenv Primrose Clr Kade Guerreiro talks about Germiston community’s shock and concern after a Grade Six boy was accused of shooting #Primrose Primary School principal Noko Selepe (51) who is recovering in the intensive care unit an Alberton health facility.
“You don’t expect a primary school learner to carry a weapon. This school has never had any issues hence this school was never identified as one of those in need of security,” said Chiloane.
The MEC said further inquiries following Friday’s shooting determined that the boy is ‘troublesome and there have been concerns regarding his behaviour and academics in the past’.
“The school has been trying to involve the parents. The parents were expected to come to the school on Friday but the learner did not inform his parents that they were to meet with the school. He refused to inform his parents because he always gets punished at home when the school contacts the parents,” said Chiloane.
Also read:Â Learner (13) allegedly shoots and injures Primrose school principal
He told the media it is believed the learner has been planning the shooting.
“There are other learners believed to be involved. It is alleged they were in a WhatsApp group where details were shared of how he plans to execute the shooting.
“He even brought bullets with him to the school before and was planning to shoot the principal, deputy principal, and his class teacher. He had a detailed plan of how he was going to execute it. What’s concerning is that no one picked it up or reported it,” said Chiloane.
“He could have seen this type of behaviour on television. The child allegedly said he will shoot the principal once and when he is on the ground, he will ‘finish him off by shooting him in the head’,” said Chiloane.
@bedfordview.edenv Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane at Primrose Primary School on February 19 when he told media the principal, Noko Selepe, is in the intensive care unit. Chiloane told Germiston City News the father of the boy accused of shooting the principal spent the weekend in jail and is facing charges of negligence. It was previously reported that it is believed that the firearm belonged to the boy’s parent.
♬ original sound – Bedfordview Edenvale News – Bedfordview Edenvale News
He acknowledged that there is now rising concern among parents, teachers and learners about safety.
“How security matters are handled must be sensitive. We cannot treat these children like criminals. They are young but we need to look at how we can handle the matter regarding their safety and ensure that it does not make them feel uncomfortable,” said Chiloane.
He said the department will provide the necessary support the school needs and identify how they can assist where needed.
Also read: Watch: Parent’s gun allegedly used to shoot Primrose principal
“This incident made us aware there needs to be additional training on how to handle situations with learners if there are signs of retaliation from them. Teachers are trained to teach and not to handle altercations of such a nature within the schooling environment,” said Chiloane.
The MEC said the learner will have to go through a rehabilitation process and if allowed back into the system he will not return to Primrose Primary School.
Also read:Â Education MEC meets with Primrose Primary management and parents after principal is shot, injured
“The department will have to wait for the law to take its course and see what is decided. If he is allowed back into the system, we will make sure all processes are followed,” said Chiloane.
Ward 92 Clr Kade Guerreiro said safety is a critical issue in the schools in the area.
“The incident shows that safety is needed in our schools. Our teachers and learners deserve to feel safe at school.
“As councillors we are here for the schools to offer support,” said Guerreiro.
