Two fatal shootings at Kraaifontein schools on Thursday have sparked concern among a traumatised and fearful community in the crime-ridden suburb.
The first incident occurred at about 07:00 at the entrance of Ekuthuleni Primary School in Bloekombos where the principal, Jeffrey Sigudla, was shot and killed while sitting in his car outside the school premises as he arrived at the school.
According to police three assailants approached the victim’s vehicle and opened fire on him, which led to the death of the 54-year-old man and injury to his wife, who was admitted to hospital. The suspects fled the scene in an unknown vehicle.
Following the shooting, detectives of the provincial serious and violent crimes unit combed the area for clues.
Minutes later, police responded to another shooting incident outside Fanie Theron Primary School in Windsor Park where 41-year-old Marvin September was shot during a school run near the entrance of the school in Kort Street. The case is currently being investigated by the anti-gang unit.
“According to reports, the victim left the school when an unidentified suspect approached the vehicle and fired several gunshots at it. The driver lost control of the vehicle and went through a fence. Police officers on duty attended the scene and found the driver with numerous gunshot wounds to his body. He was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The suspect fled the scene in an unidentified vehicle,” says police spokesperson Capt FC van Wyk.
Western Cape ministers of police oversight and community safety Anroux Marais and education David Maynier have expressed shock and anger about the killing of the principal of Ekuthuleni Primary School.
Fear of becoming victims
Chair of the Law-and-Order Foundation in Kraaifontein Gavin Riddles expressed his relief that no learners were injured. “These shootings are a major concern and residents are scared to leave their homes in fear of becoming victims or being hit by stray bullets. Safety at schools and around the perimeters must be addressed urgently and interim measures be put in place,” said Riddles
