Durban - The teen gunman who allegedly shot dead a 15-year old uMsilinga Primary School pupil and wounded another, appeared briefly in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday.
The short, slightly-built teenager, who looks far younger than his 15 years, bowed his head as he appeared in the dock, unable to look the magistrate or his mother in the eye.
The teen’s mother, who was visibly distressed, wiped away tears as she listened to the charges being put to her son.
He has been charged with murder and attempted murder.
Prosecutor Rene Padayachee indicated to the court that a further charge of unlawful possession of a firearm may be added to the docket.
The firearm has been recovered.
The case was adjourned to Thursday. The teen was remand-ed in custody into a place of safety until then.
Akhona Nakile was gunned down outside the uMsilinga Primary School gates last Wednesday with a 9mm pistol.
Another 15-year old pupil was also shot.
According to witnesses, the three pupils had been involved in an argument outside the school gate.
The argument escalated into a physical altercation, and punches and shoves were exchanged.
The shooter allegedly opened fire on the other two, killing Akhona, who was shot in the neck, and wounding the other boy in the stomach.
He remains in a serious condition in Grey’s Hospital.
The incident has rocked the Copesville community and has left pupils, teachers, parents and friends of the boys involved shocked and grief-stricken.
Spokesman for the KZN Department of Education, Muzi Mahlambi, confirmed that trauma counsellors had attended the school to help pupils and staff deal with the tragedy.
A security guard has since been stationed outside the school.
Daily News