PMB pupil arrested for carrying gun

Police confirmed that the 19-year-old scholar, understood to be in Grade 11 in the Pietermaritzburg school, was detained and charged with possession of an unlicensed firearm on Tuesday.

A fellow pupil, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal, says the boy had been seen during lessons with the pistol in his waistband.

"He pulled the gun out and he wasn't even hiding it. He was holding it to the heads of the other kids like it was a huge joke," the pupil said.

"That happened before break and by the end of the day, the police had come and taken him away,'' he added.

Police spokesperson Constable Mthokozisi Ngobesi says the teen was arrested in class after police were called to the school by teachers.

"A school pupil brought a firearm with him to school and this was noted by another child who then reported [it] to teachers. The matter was brought to our attention and officers were dispatched to the school where we managed to confiscate the weapon and detain the suspect," he said.

"He was arrested and charged with being in possession of a firearm which is unlicensed."

Ngobesi said the investigation into the incident would continue.

"We firstly need to ascertain that he really is 19-years-old because if he is younger, his identity needs to be protected. At first we assumed the gun belonged to his parents but now we are in the process of tracing the owner and more arrests could be made."

Department of Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said, "We appreciate the swift action of the police. We have no room in our schools for such learners."

(File photo: Gallo Images)