14-Year-Old Pupil Shot Dead In Elsies River, Three People Hospitalised As Gang Violence Spreads

A 14-year-old Ravensmead High School pupil was shot dead on his way to school during peak hour traffic in Elsies River on Tuesday, according to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond stated that two other victims were taken to hospital for treatment. “The two other individuals are allegedly not learners. The alleged perpetrators then fled into the grounds of St Andrew’s Technical High School as learners were entering the school gates,” Hammond added.

“This caused panic amongst the learners. Some fled the school grounds. The schools in the area immediately went into lockdown mode in terms of safety procedures; however, some parents are collecting their children from the schools,” she said.

Elsies River Police Response

Law enforcement officials on the scene confirmed that gunmen opened fire while the pupils were heading to school. Western Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Novela Potelwa said reports from the scene indicated that the teens were on their way to school when the shooting occurred. She stated that two gunmen allegedly got out of a vehicle in Donnegal Avenue and opened fire.

“As a consequence, the 14-year-old was killed and others, aged 15 and 17, were injured. They were transported to a medical facility for treatment,” she added. Security in the area has been bolstered with additional police deployments.

“The motive for the shooting forms part of an ongoing investigation,” Potelwa said. According to the police, a few meters from the scene where the children were shot, a 55-year-old man was also wounded. “He is currently in a medical facility receiving treatment,” said Potelwa.

The police stated that their investigation would determine whether the incident in which he was wounded was linked to the shooting of the pupil.

Meanwhile, the WCED said the shooting affected exams at some schools, and timetables were amended to accommodate the change. “Our district counselling support team is at the schools to provide support.

“The WCED NSC (national senior certificate) examination team was also alerted immediately, and measures were put in place to ensure that the Grade 12 learners could write their NSC exam and that the integrity of the examination is not compromised,” Hammond added. The WCED said counselling support was also provided to pupils.

“Security has also been arranged to ensure that the learners feel safe during the examination. Our condolences to the family, friends, and the school community of Ravensmead. This is a tragic and sad day for all concerned, and we will continue to provide the necessary support,” Hammond said.

Western Cape community police forum board spokesperson Rafique Foflonker described the shooting as “a tragedy.” “This utterly senseless shooting spree in the vicinity of our schools and our children is absolutely ridiculous. Our deepest heartfelt condolences go out to the families of those innocent children who became victims of this event,” said Foflonker.

Earlier Incident In Eerste River Captured on Viral Video

Earlier, SurgeZirc SA reported a disturbing shooting incident involving a lone gunman chasing three men in broad daylight, which has been captured on video and has since gone viral. The attack occurred on Sunday afternoon, resulting in one fatality and two injuries.

The 17-second video footage shows six individuals running along Himalaya Street in Heather Park, Eerste River, Western Cape. During the chaos, one man falls while others continue to flee as gunshots are fired.

The gunman, dressed in a cap, blue top, and grey shorts, is seen approaching the group with a firearm. He repeatedly shoots the man who fell and continues to fire at another individual wearing a white top and red pants as he tries to escape.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that a 36-year-old man was killed, and two others were injured. “According to reports, the victims were sitting outside when they were approached by an unknown man who took out a firearm and shot them.

“The victims were taken to a medical facility for treatment, where the 36-year-old victim was declared deceased upon arrival. The other victims are receiving treatment. The suspect fled the scene and is yet to be arrested,” stated Twigg.

Kleinvlei detectives are currently investigating a case of murder and two cases of attempted murder.

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