Cape Town authorities are appealing for information following a tragic shooting incident that unfolded on Tuesday morning at Ieglaasi Nieyah Primary School in Beacon Valley.
The incident, which claimed the life of a 13-year-old Grade 7 pupil, has prompted residents to demand increased police visibility at schools in the area to bolster the safety of learners.
The victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, was killed after being struck by a stray bullet while waiting for her school transport just after 11am.
It is believed that the incident occurred within the school premises. The incident has led to heightened concerns about the security of students in the area, with locals expressing the urgent need for proactive measures.
Beacon Valley was reportedly declared a Red Zone earlier in the day due to escalating gang-related violence.
A school employee who witnessed the incident described to Radio 786 the horrifying moment when the stray bullet struck the young girl in the eye, penetrating her head.
Emergency services, including the police, were summoned to the scene. However, it has been reported that the police's 10111 emergency number has been down for several days, raising questions about the responsiveness of essential services.
This tragic incident marks the first fatality at Ieglaasi Nieyah Primary School in 30 years, despite its location in a gang-prone area.
The school staff member emphasised that, despite the challenges posed by the neighbourhood's gang activity, the school building has historically served as a safer haven for children.
The incident has ignited a renewed call for enhanced security measures in and around educational institutions, urging authorities to address the broader safety concerns within the community.
Local authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the community grapples with the shock and grief stemming from the untimely loss of a promising young life. As investigations unfold, the shooting serves as a reminder of the pressing need for comprehensive safety measures to protect youth in vulnerable communities.
IOL NEWS