Primrose school shooting: Boy shared plans to shoot principal and others on WhatsApp
Several other learners are believed to be involved in the shooting of a school principal who is recovering in hospital.
It is believed that the Grade Six boy (13) accused of shooting Primrose Primary School’s principal Noko Selepe (51) on Friday also planned to shoot the deputy principal and class teacher.
Selepe is recovering from a single gunshot wound in the ICU at an Alberton medical facility. The incident happened at 08:45.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the school today.
He told the media there are several other learners believed to be involved.
“It is alleged they were on a WhatsApp group where details were shared of how he planned to execute the shooting. What’s concerning is that no one picked it up or reported it,” said Chiloane.
The boy appeared in Germiston Magistrate’s Court today.
Bedfordview SAPS is investigating a case of negligence of safekeeping of a firearm against the boy’s father.
“The father spent the weekend in jail,” Chiloane said.
@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
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group was also at the school today to provide counselling.
It was previously reported that Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said that before the shooting, Selepe saw learners sitting in the foyer.
“He instructed them to take out their workbooks to study. The boy allegedly mumbled something in response, but the principal ignored him. He saw the learner later near the staff room, which is when the principal was shot,” said Mabona.
Shortly after the shooting, Germiston City News was at the scene and spoke to parents waiting outside the school. These parents all expressed concern.
“We are shocked and worried, how could this have happened? These are little children and we don’t expect them to be carrying guns to school. We hope we can get clarity on what happened,” parents told Germiston City News.
Chiloane acknowledged the rising concern among parents, teachers and learners about safety.
“How security matters are handled must be done in a sensitive way. We cannot treat these children like criminals,” said Chiloane.
“This incident made us aware there needs to be additional training for teachers on how to handle situations where there are signs of retaliation from learners,” said Chiloane.
Watch: Primrose councillor Kade Guerreiro talks about the Germiston community’s shock and concern after the shooting:
@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.
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