Gang warfare saw the closure of three primary schools in Port Elizabeth's Northern Areas on Monday morning after concerned parents collected traumatised children following shooting incidents in these areas.
Clifton Jantjies, principal at Strelitzia Primary School in Extension 31, says rival gangs were shooting at each other in front of the school gate and had entered the school grounds.
He says frantic learners made a dash into the school hall as gunshots rang out and that when police got to the scene there was a shoot-out between police and gangsters.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu confirmed that rubber bullets were fired.
Jantjies said Strelitzia Primary School would remain closed on Tuesday and re-open on Wednesday to give learners time to recuperate.
Helma Boggenpoel, principal at Astra Primary School in Extension 21, said parents started panicking after 30 to 40 gunshots were heard going off.
She said parents collected the learners and she dismissed staff. Although the shooting was not in close proximity to the school, she said it had a negative impact on the learners
Yul Billet, principal at Kroneberg Primary School in Extension 21, said a killing on Monday morning at Kolata Street caused panic in the area because learners had to walk through the street to get to school.
Colonel Naidu confirmed that police were investigating a case of murder after 28 year-old Sergio Moss was shot dead while asleep in his car.
Four people reportedly died in separate shooting incidents in Bethelsdorp and Bloemendal at the weekend. - ANA
