One Dead, One Injured After Horrifying Car Theft Attempt at Pretoria High School Old Boys Club

A peaceful afternoon at Pretoria High School Old Boys Club turned into chaos when a car theft attempt escalated into violence. Four armed suspects targeted two high-end vehicles, only to be met with resistance, gunfire and tragedy.

What Went Down

• Just before 11:30 AM, four masked men were spotted trying to steal a Toyota Land Cruiser and a Toyota Fortuner from the parking lot at the club.

• The incident erupted while a cricket match was underway. Parents, kids and visitors were forced to drop to the ground as shots rang out.

The Aftermath

• One suspect died on the scene after being shot.

• Another suspect was critically injured, treated on site, then taken under police guard to hospital.A third man was detained by bystanders and is in police custody.

• The fourth managed to escape. A search is underway.

Community Response & Shock

The club is reeling. Many visitors and young cricketers were caught off guard. The Old East Safety Forum praised how quickly community responders, private security firms, and emergency services acted. People are calling for tighter security around schools and club facilities.

What It Says About Local Safety

This isn’t the first time Pretoria’s schools or clubs have become sites for violent crime. With this shooting, there’s a renewed spotlight on how public spaces are protected, especially when children are involved.

Residents on social media condemned the shooting. Comments expressed both grief for what could’ve been worse and frustration that even prestigious clubs are vulnerable. A common theme: “What will it take for our public safety to mean something real?”

Missing Details

Some important questions are still unanswered:

• Who fired the fatal shot? The report says a member of the public discharged a firearm, but which one and under what justification are unclear.

• Was the club’s security protocol sufficient? Witnesses say the suspects were interrupted  but were systems in place to prevent theft attempts near school-club properties?

• What will happen to the escaped suspect and the community’s demands for accountability?

Final Thoughts

What started as an attempted vehicle theft turned into a tragedy at Pretoria High School Old Boys Club. One life lost, another hanging by a thread. Children traumatized. Parents angry. And all of them asking whether enough is being done to protect spaces where we expect peace.

This shooting is a reminder: violence doesn’t wait for nightfall or abandoned buildings. It can erupt at midday, during cricket, in places that should be safe. Communities deserve better protections.

{Source: TheCitizen}

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