Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has expressed concern over the impact of ongoing gang-related gun violence in Westbury on learners, educators, parents and school communities.
The concerns follow reports of another shooting in the area on Monday, in which five young people were reportedly shot. Three people were killed and two others sustained critical injuries.
The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that one of those shot is a learner from R.W. Fick Secondary School. The identities of the other victims and whether they are linked to schools in the area are still being verified.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“We are deeply concerned about the pain being experienced by families who have lost their children and those whose children have been injured. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wish those who are injured a speedy recovery,” said Maile.
He said the proliferation of dangerous weapons, particularly firearms, among young people remains a serious concern requiring a collective response from society.
The ongoing violence has also disrupted teaching and learning at several schools in Westbury, with some learners unable to attend classes or write scheduled School-Based Assessment (SBA) Common Papers and preliminary examinations because of safety concerns.
Maile said learners who missed examinations because of the unsafe environment would be given an opportunity to write, adding that no learner should be academically disadvantaged by circumstances beyond their control.
The department has intensified psychosocial support for learners, educators and families affected by the violence. The Teddy Bear Foundation is providing trauma debriefing and child-protection support as part of the department’s rapid-response interventions.
Affected learners, educators and parents can also access Childline South Africa’s 24-hour toll-free helpline on 116 for counselling and support.
The department’s School Safety Unit and district officials will continue monitoring schools in the affected areas, while Circuit Management Teams will assess conditions daily.
Maile said the department remains particularly concerned about possible retaliatory violence and escalating tensions in the community.
“Whatever conflicts exist outside school gates must never be allowed to endanger children or rob them of their right to education,” he said.
The department says it will continue working with SAPS, including the Anti-Gang Unit, and other law-enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of learners and staff and maintain stability at affected schools.
