Gauteng Education Dept confirms pupil among Westbury shooting victims as schools reel

The Gauteng Education Department has confirmed that a learner was among five young people shot in Westbury, Johannesburg, in a recent attack that left three reportedly dead and two critically injured. The department said the incident, which occurred on Monday, has disrupted teaching and learning at several local schools and raised urgent safety concerns for learners, educators and families.

What the department says

The MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, described the shooting as “deeply concerning” because of its impact on the school community.

“Preliminary information received by the Gauteng Department of Education indicates that five young people were reportedly shot, with three reportedly losing their lives and two sustaining critical injuries. At this stage, the Department has confirmed that one of those who was shot is a learner from R.W. Fick Secondary School. Information regarding the other individuals and their possible association with schools in the area is still being verified,” Maile said.

Investigation and security response

The circumstances of the shooting are being investigated by the South African Police Service (SAPS). The department said it will not speculate on motive or circumstances beyond information verified by relevant authorities. Police have maintained a visible presence in the area while the department continues to rely on SAPS, including the Anti-Gang Unit, and other law enforcement agencies for security assessments and interventions.

Impact on learners and exams

The department outlined the effect of the violence on schooling, saying that some learners were unable to attend school or sit scheduled School-Based Assessment (SBA) Common Papers and preliminary examinations because of the unsafe environment. Maile said:

“Learners who missed their SBA Common Papers or preliminary examinations because of the unsafe environment will be afforded an opportunity to write. No learner should be academically prejudiced by circumstances beyond their control,”

and that operations at affected schools will be guided by the security situation on the ground.

Support for affected families and learners

The Gauteng Department said it has strengthened psychosocial support for learners, educators and families affected by the violence. The department’s rapid response includes support from the Teddy Bear Foundation, which provides trauma debriefing and child-protection services. The department also pointed to Childline South Africa’s 24-hour toll-free helpline on 116 for counselling and support.

Where further intervention is required, learners can be referred to community-based support services. The department said school-based psychosocial programmes, peer-support structures and Learner Support Agents will continue to help identify and escalate emerging risks.

Appeal to the community

Maile warned about the proliferation of weapons among young people and expressed concern about possible retaliatory violence and heightened tensions in the community. He appealed to parents, communities and young people to protect children and schools from violence:

“Whatever conflicts exist outside school gates must never be allowed to endanger children or rob them of their right to education,”

the department said.