Edgemead Primary School, where a Grade 6 pupil allegedly compiled a list naming classmates, prompting an investigation and support measures by the Western Cape Education Department.
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The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has confirmed that an internal investigation is underway at Edgemead Primary School following allegations that a grade 6 pupil allegedly compiled a "hit list" naming classmates.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the matter is being managed by the school in line with established protocols, with district-level support in place.
“The Western Cape Education Department is aware of the allegations and can confirm that the matter is being managed by the school in line with the relevant protocols and procedures. The well-being of all pupils is paramount, which includes the confidentiality of personal information; therefore, further details on the case cannot be disclosed,” said Ms Hammond.
She said that the Metro North Education District’s specialised support team, including a social worker and an educational psychologist, is providing ongoing guidance to the school.
According to the department, measures have been implemented to ensure pupil safety and well-being, including counselling support, engagement with parents, and an internal investigation conducted under the school’s Code of Conduct.
"The pupil implicated is not currently attending school and has been referred for additional counselling support," said Ms Hammond.
The WCED confirmed that parents have been kept informed and that the school remains in regular contact with district officials as the situation develops.
It also said previous bullying allegations had been investigated and addressed, with some incidents believed to have taken place online outside school hours.
While there have also been reports that a firearm was brought to the school, the WCED has dismissed circulating claims that a firearm was brought onto school premises, stating there is no evidence to support the allegations and confirming the family involved does not own a firearm.
“All previous allegations have been managed through the correct processes, and pupils will continue to receive psychosocial support where required while the investigation proceeds,” said Ms Hammond.
The department said that the matter will proceed through formal processes, with outcomes to be determined in the best interests of all parties involved.
The response comes amid concern at Edgemead Primary School following reports that a Grade 6 pupil allegedly compiled a “hit list” naming classmates on Friday, March 13, sparking concern among some parents.
The incident reportedly caused alarm within parts of the school community, with claims of pupil fear and anxiety about attending classes.
One parent, who feared being named, alleged inappropriate behaviour and criticised communication from the school, while others said pupils were unsettled.
However, the school has previously sought to calm concerns, stating that the matter was immediately reported by pupils to a teacher and escalated to management and counselling teams on the same day.
In a letter to parents sent by the school on Wednesday, March 25, the school rejected claims of widespread panic and denied allegations of an immediate threat, stating there was no evidence that weapons were brought to school or that pupils were in danger.
The school also confirmed that psychosocial support is being provided to affected pupils and that the matter is being handled with WCED oversight, while urging the community to avoid spreading misinformation.