Gauteng education MEC Lebogang Maile has called on communities to work together to protect young people after two learners were shot and killed in Alexandra on Monday evening.
A Grade 12 learner from Minerva Secondary School and a 17-year-old Grade 9 learner from Alexandra High School died after being shot on Alfred Nzo Street, opposite Madala Hostel, on the evening of 5 October.
Police found the bodies of the two teenagers with gunshot wounds near the intersection of Alfred Nzo Street and 6th Avenue at around 21:00. The victims were aged 17 and 19.
The police have opened a murder investigation. Police said the motive for the shooting remains unknown and no arrests have been made.
Maile said he was deeply dismayed by the loss of two young lives under such tragic circumstances.
“Regardless of the circumstances that may ultimately be established by the police investigation, the death of learners through violence is deeply concerning. Our communities have an important role to play in creating safer environments for young people and protecting them from violence, criminality and circumstances that threaten their lives and futures,” Maile said.
He said the tragedy should remind communities that protecting and guiding children requires the involvement of the whole community.
“The African idiom teaches us that it takes a village to raise a child. Government and law-enforcement agencies must continue their work to combat criminality, but they cannot do it alone. Parents, community structures, religious leaders, young people and residents must stand together against criminality, promote safer communities and ensure that our children are protected,” Maile said.
The MEC extended his condolences to the families, friends, fellow learners, educators and school communities affected by the tragedy.
He urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation or lead to the arrest of those responsible to contact Alexandra Police Station.
The Gauteng Department of Education will provide psychosocial support to the affected school communities.
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