Shot pupil is on the mend
Mom relieved son is back home
The mother of a 10-year-old boy who was hit by a stray bullet while in class in Benoni, Ekurhuleni, two weeks ago says it’s a miracle that her son survived.
Lihle Thusi, 40, told Sowetan that she panicked when she received a call that her son had been hit by a bullet at Younitiate primary school near Putfontein. Samkelo, who is in grade 4 at the private school, was hit on the left shoulder and admitted to hospital.
“I almost collapsed because I knew that my child was in trouble ... but the principal did not say much on the phone,” Thusi said.
She said it was only after she arrived at the school that she was informed about how the tragic incident happened. “I went to hospital and was relieved when doctors told me that the bullet did not penetrate deeper,” she said. Thusi said her son was traumatised and keeps talking about the incident. “I don’t blame the school for this incident, it could have happened to anyone,” she said. According to police spokesperson Co nstable Justice Ramaube, the class teacher told police that Samkelo suddenly started screaming in class. She then realised that he was bleeding from where he was seated. This after gun shots were heard outside the school premises.
“She said they immediately called the principal who rushed the learner to hospital. Police have opened a case of attempted murder and an investigation into the shooting is under way,” said Ramaube. “We urge anyone who might have information regarding the shooting to please contact Putfontein police station.” School principal Ralph Werner said the incident had shocked them and that Samkelo was lucky to survive. Last week, another pupil was shot in class at Dowerglen high school in Edenvale when unknown men shot randomly outside the school. Shots went through the window and the pupil was hit on the shoulder and abdomen.
‘ ‘ Doctors said the bullet did not penetrate deeper