Durban - Pupils at Alston Primary school in Pietermaritzburg screamed and ran for cover after a suspect entered the school, attacked the security guard and two adults before opening fire randomly inside the school.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, in a statement on Wednesday, condemned the violent attack.
The department said the incident happened in broad daylight at the school.
“According to preliminary reports an assailant gained entry into the school premises through the pedestrian gate, attacked the security guard and two other adults before opening fire randomly,”it said.
The department said that in a video obtained from a witness, the pupils can be seen and heard screaming and running for cover.
“The assailant was subsequently overpowered and disarmed by ground staff who responded swiftly to arrest the escalating situation,” it said.
The man was handed over to the police, said the department, adding that a team of psycho-social workers have been dispatched to provide support to all affected.
The department said it would investigate the matter while assisting the police in their investigation.
KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Mbali Frazer condemned the violent attack.
The MEC called upon all stakeholders to work together to make schools gun- free zones.
“It’s troubling that our learners should be subjected to this kind of violence. Our teachers and staff are also worried that their lives are at risk. I trust the police to do their work to ensure that a conviction is secured and that jail becomes the final destination for the perpetrator,” said Frazer.