A 13-year-old boy from South Africa, who was arrested for allegedly shooting his school principal, might face trial as an adult, according to the authorities.
The young boy, whose identity remains undisclosed, has been charged with attempted murder.
The victim, a 51-year-old principal, is currently undergoing treatment in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
The incident has caused shockwaves across South Africa, where concerns about violence in schools are growing.
The pupil reportedly used his father’s gun in the shooting at a primary school in Germiston, located east of Johannesburg.
“The father has also been arrested on suspicion of negligence regarding the firearm,” said Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, a police spokesperson.
During a visit to the school, Education Minister Matome Chiloane claimed that the boy had a list of three teachers whom he considered problematic.
“According to his friends, this plan had been in the works for some time.
They allegedly communicated and planned through a WhatsApp group,” Chiloane said.
He also alleged that the boy had brought bullets to school on a previous occasion.
WATCH JUST IN: @EducationGP1 MEC @matomekopano says it's been revealed that the child had planned to shoot about 3 educators on Friday. The apprehended child will undergo a rehabilitation process before being reintroduced to the school system. @DBE_SA @HubertMweli @ElijahMhlanga pic.twitter.com/v6sO7qKl1O
— @DBETVNews (@dbetvnews) February 19, 2024
Under South Africa’s Child Justice Act, children aged 12 or 13 are presumed not to have “criminal capacity” unless proven otherwise.
In this case, the National Prosecuting Authority has requested a report to assess the boy’s cognitive and moral development, among other factors, to determine whether he can be tried as an adult.
Pretty Ndlovu, a senior social worker at a children’s charity, expressed concern about the prevalence of gun violence in the country and its impact on children.
“We are facing significant challenges, including domestic conflicts that can lead to children having anger issues.
Children don’t just wake up with guns.
Where are the parents and educators in all this? We are failing a generation,” Ndlovu remarked.
Education Minister Chiloane emphasized that regardless of the legal outcome, the alleged perpetrator would need extensive rehabilitation before reentering the education system.
School safety has been a major concern in Gauteng province, South Africa’s most populous region and economic hub.
This shooting occurred shortly after a student was fatally stabbed at a secondary school near Johannesburg.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi announced increased security measures, including monitoring high-risk schools via CCTV cameras.
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