Two pupils fatally shot at Riverlea Secondary School in Gauteng

Mapaballo Borotho

Two pupils were fatally shot at Riverlea Secondary School in Gauteng on Wednesday.
The Education Department has expressed condolences and deployed a Psychosocial Support Team to assist affected learners and staff.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.

Two pupils from Riverlea Secondary School in Gauteng were caught in a shooting crossfire and lost their lives within the school premises on Wednesday.

The Department of Education confirmed the tragic news in the province on Thursday.

“This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the school community, leaving families, friends, educators, and fellow learners devastated by the loss of such young lives. The Department extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the entire school community during this profoundly difficult time,” said departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona.

A Psychosocial Support Team has been dispatched to the affected school to provide immediate trauma counselling and emotional support to learners, educators, and staff members.

“The Department condemns all forms of violence and criminal activity that threaten the safety and wellbeing of learners in our communities. This tragic event underscores the urgent need for collective action to curb gun violence and safeguard our children’s right to learn and grow in safe environments. We wish to convey our condolences to the families and the school community,” Mabona added.

The Department has not yet explained the circumstances surrounding the shooting; however, the matter is reportedly under police investigation.