The Northview High School community in Johannesburg was left in shock after the acting principal was shot six times in his office by two unidentified armed men. The incident, which took place on Tuesday, was described as a brazen act of violence and lawlessness by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE).
According to reports, the two armed men entered the school premises under the guise of obtaining a quotation for tree felling. They then proceeded to the acting principal’s office where they opened fire, shooting him six times before fleeing the scene. The principal was immediately rushed to a medical facility and is currently in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) receiving treatment for his injuries.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed deep shock at the incident, emphasizing the need to bring the perpetrators to justice. The department is working closely with law enforcement to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Chiloane extended thoughts and prayers to the acting principal, his family, and the school community, wishing him a speedy recovery.
Police investigations are currently underway, and the department has dispatched a Psycho-Social Support Unit to provide trauma counseling for affected learners and educators. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of educational institutions, with calls for increased vigilance and measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The GDE has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of school staff and students, condemning the violent attack on the acting principal. As the community comes to terms with the shocking event, efforts are being made to provide support and assistance to those affected by the incident.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by educators and school leaders in maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment. It highlights the importance of collaboration between education authorities, law enforcement agencies, and the community to address security concerns and protect the well-being of all members of the school community.
