Concerns rise over learner safety at Edgemead Primary after hit list discovery
Parents at Edgemead Primary are in distress after a Grade 6 learner allegedly created a hit list targeting classmates, raising serious concerns about student safety and school communication.
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Panic has gripped parents at Edgemead Primary after a shocking “hit list” allegedly drawn up by a Grade 6 learner sent fear rippling through the school community.
The disturbing list, discovered on March 13, allegedly named classmates as targets, leaving learners traumatised and parents fearing for their children’s safety.
One concerned parent said the matter has caused distress and concern around the safety of the learners.
They claimed: “In the days following, more alarming details have emerged. It has been reported by students that the individual in question has a history of inappropriate behaviour toward female students, including following them into restrooms.
“Furthermore, he reportedly brandished photos of his father’s firearms to other pupils.”
They added that while the school follows protocols, the silence from the administration has been deafening.
The parent said: “This lack of transparent communication has left many children traumatized and afraid to attend classes. Several parents have already begun keeping their children home out of fear for their physical safety.”
The school, however, has moved to calm fears, confirming that the matter is under investigation.
In a statement issued on March 15, the school said learners who became aware of the list reported it to a teacher, who immediately escalated it to the counselling department and principal.
Principal Stokell said: “Our counselling department met promptly with the learner and the learner’s parents.
“The family is equally shocked by the accident and is fully supportive of the intervention measures put in place to support both their child and other learners.
“We understand that news of this nature may be unsettling. However, it is important that we handle the matter responsibly and avoid speculation or the spread of misinformation.”
He added that from March 16, the learner did not attend school while the matter is under investigation and while appropriate intervention measures are developed in consultation with the school management team, counselling department, parents, and the Western Cape Education Department (WCED).
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said that the department is aware of the allegations and can confirm that the matter is being managed by the school in line with the relevant protocols and procedures.
Hammond said: “The allegations have been addressed with the parents involved, counselling support has been made available, and an internal investigation is underway.
“The school will continue to follow its Code of Conduct in dealing with the matter. The learner implicated in the allegations is not currently attending school.
“The learner concerned has been referred for additional counselling support. Learners at the school will continue to receive ongoing psychosocial support as required.”