Primrose shooting sparks renewed call for gun free homes

Gun Free South Africa says incidents like the shooting of a principal in Primrose, Germiston, can be averted by South Africans not having guns in their homes.

A 13-year-old Grade 6 learner appeared in court today for wounding the Primrose Primary School principal on Friday after he had instructed him and other pupils to gather in the foyer and study.

Speaking to YNews, the Director of Gun Free South Africa, Adele Kirsten, says a gun-free society is the best and most effective way to save lives.

Earlier today, Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, visited Primrose Primary School.

He revealed that the 51-year-old principal’s shooting was premeditated.

His assailant had apparently discussed this with his friends via a WhatsApp group.

“For those learners who are part of it, we are looking into it in terms of charging them and punishment we’ll look at it to inform our action.”

Two other teachers were also targeted by the 13-year-old.

The MEC says the learner is said to be troublesome and was allegedly upset after his parents seemingly punished him for not doing his school work.

The principal is recuperating in hospital and Chiloane has assured worried parents that security at the school will be beefed up to ensure learners’ safety.

The 13-year-old learner will return to the Germiston Magistrates’ Court on the 19th of next month.

His father was also arrested for negligence and is due in court tomorrow for alleged negligence.

According to Kirsten, the maximum fine for failure to safely secure a firearm is five years.

She wants the father declared unfit to possess a firearm, saying his careless mistake has led to the problem his 13-year-old finds himself in.

Kirsten is also calling on government to work hard in eradicating illegal firearms.

She says the strengthening of gun laws in the country will also go a long way in combating gun violence.