Gunmen open fire outside De Duine Primary School in Lotus River
Gunmen open fire on vehicle outside De Duine Primary School, leaving one injured.
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A brazen shooting outside De Duine Primary School in Lotus River has left the community shaken after gunmen opened fire on a vehicle during school pick-up time on Thursday afternoon.
According to a bystander, the incident occurred at 2:40pm while learners were being dismissed from school.
The source said: “These people came up to the car of the people who came to fetch someone from the school. And they asked them to give their cellphones and money at gunpoint, and they probably said no, and then they shot. Children and people were standing outside, and the driver tried to stop them, but shot them in their hands, and the passenger was shot in the neck, and they were rushed to the hospital.”
Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed the shooting incident occurred while learners were being dismissed.
“The incident allegedly involved a passenger in a parent’s vehicle, who sustained a gunshot wound and was transported to the hospital for medical treatment.
“Thankfully, no learners or staff members were physically injured; however, psychological support services have been arranged to support both learners and educators who witnessed the event.
"The South African Police Service (SAPS) was contacted immediately and responded promptly.
“SAPS members attended the school and worked closely with school management to ensure the orderly and safe dismissal of learners and educators.”
She added that a request was made for increased police visibility around the school.
Meanwhile, SAPS Anti-Gang Unit members and the SA National Defence Force (SANDF), under Operation Prosper, recovered five firearms, two extended magazines, a large quantity of ammunition and an explosive device identified as an M26 hand grenade during an intelligence-led operation at the Freedom Farm informal settlement in Delft.
"Further investigation led to the discovery of two additional firearms, ammunition and the M26 hand grenade buried at a burnt-out shack nearby. A 35-year-old suspect was arrested for the illegal possession of explosives, as well as firearms and ammunition," said police spokesperson, FC van Wyk.
"Operation Prosper represents a coordinated and decisive response by law enforcement and defence structures to disrupt criminal activity, remove illegal firearms from circulation and reinforce a safer environment for residents."
In a separate search, a 36-year-old man was arrested after tik was found concealed beneath a carpet in a shack.
All suspects have been detained, and the recovered exhibits have been handed in for further processing.
The suspects are expected to appear in the Bellville Magistrate's Court on their respective charges once charged.