Two learners killed in KwaZulu-Natal shooting on way to school

Two learners have been killed and three others seriously injured in a shooting in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday morning.

In a statement, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education said that the learners were on their way to school when they were allegedly accosted by a group of gunmen who opened fire.

KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased learners, the injured learners, their schools and the affected communities.

“This is a senseless and cowardly act of violence. Our children should be able to walk to school without fearing for their lives. Schools must remain places of safety, learning and hope,” said Hlomuka.

The department said psychosocial support has been activated for the affected learners, educators and families.

The matter has been reported to the South African Police Service.

The department has urged anyone with information that could assist investigators in identifying and arresting the perpetrators to come forward.

It also called on communities, traditional leaders and other stakeholders to work with law enforcement agencies to help protect children.