Recently, on 16 February, a 13-year-old grade 6 pupil allegedly shot and killed the principal at Primrose Hill Primary School in Primrose Hill, Germiston.
This happened after he was allegedly caught gambling in school.
But this is one of many incidents.
1. On 20 January 2024, a Grade 7 learner at Laerskool Queenswood in Pretoria allegedly drowned during a school excursion.
2. On 1 February 2024, a Grade 6 learner from Modiselle Primary School in Ga-Rankuwa, north of Tshwane, passed away after allegedly falling off a moving scholar transport bus.
3. On 6 February 2024, a Grade 1 girl learner from Mandlethu Primary School in Tsakane, Brakpan, passed away after allegedly consuming biscuits bought from a local spaza shop.
4.On 7 February 2024, a Grade 8 boy learner from Oakdale Secondary School in Ennerdale, South of Johannesburg, died after being stabbed in a fight with another Grade 10 boy learner, who was also involved in the stabbing incident.
Education activist, Hendrick Makaneta, said crime in schools continues to rise at an alarming rate.
“We've had enough of crime in schools. Recently, a deputy principal was shot dead in Tembisa. Pupils have also suffered at the hands of other schoolmates. It's normal for teachers to be part of the statistics every year because they are attacked by pupils.
“How long are we to continue losing the lives of teachers? When will we finally have peace in our schools?” Hendrick asked.
He attributed these gruesome acts to pupils' unwillingness to learn and those who haven't had a good upbringing are causing all the problems at school.
In this context, Hendrick called on the government to urgently intervene and deal with this matter.
"Something drastic needs to be done to curb violence in schools. We have a collective responsibility as society to confront violence and bring it under control," she said.
The DA is calling on the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) to increase security measures at schools to ensure a safe learning environment for learners and teachers.
The party is also advocating for anti-bullying and anti-violence initiatives in schools and continued co-operation with law enforcement agencies.
The aim is to reduce violence and give parents a sense of security while their children are at school.
Gauteng Department of Education spokesman Steve Mabona confirmed that the principal was taken to a local medical facility and is currently recovering from his injuries.
"Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. However, it's suspected that the firearm belongs to the pupil’s parent," Mabona said.
Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi of Gauteng police said the 13-year-old has been arrested and his father's gun was confiscated.
