Grade 5 learner fatally wounds classmate

OHANGWENA, Jan. 18 – A 13 year old grade five learner died today at Iimbili Combined School in the Ontunganga Circuit in Ohangwena region, after an 11 year old classmate carried a gun to school.

A statement from the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture, Sanet L. Steenkamp indicated the incident occurred while the 11 year old was playing with the firearm during break time fatally wounded a classmate resulting in the untimely death of the 13 year old learner.

“We value the life of every child. The loss of life, particularly in such a tragic and unfortunate manner, pains us deeply.

“The Minister of Education, Arts and Culture, Hon. Katrina Hanse Himarwa, joint by the Management of the Ministry as well as the Ohangwena Regional Directorate, convey our heartfelt sorrow and most sincere condolences to the bereaved family and the affected school community,” read the statement.

However, the statement did not indicate whether the gun discharged and fired upon the learner, but read, “At this stage the Ministry can only communicate the established facts as a police investigation of the tragic circumstances is currently underway.” – Musa Zimunya (musa@namibiadailynews.info)