Eastern Cape Department of Education MEC, Fundile Gade, has learnt with sadness of the gunning down of four Buffalo City Education District learners in East London by an unknown assailant on Sunday night while studying for the final examinations.
The Eastern Cape Department of Education, Mali Mtima, said three of four learners succumbed to these fatal gun wounds following a gruesome gun attack.
Mtima said the first duo is from Mzomhle Senior Secondary School (one Grade 12 learner passed away, and one Grade 11 learner was critically injured). The other two learners who died are from Buchule Technical High School, and both are doing Grade 11.
“Police were called to the scene, and their quick response has led to the assailant’s apprehension. The motive for this gruesome attack is not yet known, but the police are investigating the matter. Families have been informed of this incident, and the department has since activated the psycho-social support service for both schools. This is to ensure that all affected learners, teachers, and parents receive debriefing and counseling,” said Mtima.
According to him, Gade will lead a visit to both schools accompanied by district officials and the Department of Social Development (DSD) this morning.
Mtima confirmed that the visit will start at Buchule Senior Secondary School at 08:30. After that, he will proceed to Mzomhle Senior Secondary School.
He confirmed that the Department of Social Development officials will join as part of reinforcement in the scheduled visits to offer debriefing and counseling sessions tomorrow at 10:00 am.
“Subsequently, the team will be joined by the Quality Learning and Teaching Committee (QLTC), District Education Forum (DEF) and the MEC for Department of Social Development, Bukiwe Fanta, as they will be visiting the three bereaved families at 15:00 to offer support during this time.”
Gade condemned the brutal attack of unarmed learners by these thugs, stating that this is a heinous crime and that these culprits need to face the wrath of the law for robbing the families of these young souls.
“We condemn this violence and crime against our learners and schools, and it is concerning us now. Just last week, a learner from Parterson Senior Secondary School was also brutally killed. Society needs to join hands in protecting our learners. We call upon the Justice system to harshly sentence these heartless criminals. Furthermore, we have mobilised other sister departments to ensure all affected schools and families receive our support as a government.
He said may the families of these three learners find solace in God during this trying time of their lives. We send our sincere condolences to them during this period,” said Gade.
He added that he also wishes a speedy recovery to the survivor of this incident, who is still in critical condition in hospital.
