Johannesburg - Parents must inspect their children's school bags to help curb crime and violence in schools, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga said on Wednesday.
“A small contribution such as checking what is in your child's school bag every day, can go a long way,” she said in a statement.
“Open communication between learners and parents and teachers can also assist to detect any signs of bullying or abuse at school.”
An 18-year-old Grade 11 pupil shot dead a fellow student at Phineas Xulu Secondary School, in Vosloorus, Boksburg, on Tuesday.
The firearm belonged to his mother, a metro police officer.
The 18-year-old was allegedly bullied by his victim, a Grade 10
pupil, and two other boys. They had stolen his cap and cellphone the previous day.
The youth shot dead the Grade 10 pupil in class on Tuesday. Motshekga sent condolences to his family.
The Grade 11 pupil will appear in the Vosloorus Magistrate's Court on Thursday on charges of murder and possession of a firearm.
Ekurhuleni mayor Mondli Gungubele condemned the shooting.
“This is an extremely shocking incident, and it could not have come at a worse time, considering that the children are writing their final examination,” he said.
“Such (conduct) cannot be tolerated in our schools.”
He said the Gauteng department of education was working to quickly bring the school back to normal, to allow examinations to be concluded.
Gungubele said parents, community organisations, churches, political parties and young people should come together to confront problems faced by pupils. - Sapa