‘Russian roulette’ at school denied

While conflicting reports of a Phoenix high school shooting continue to circulate, a 15-year-old is recovering in hospital.

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Durban - While conflicting reports of a shooting at a Phoenix high school on Friday continue to circulate, a 15-year-old pupil is struggling to recover in a Durban hospital.

A family representative said on Sunday that the boy, Cameron Ganesh, 15, was in pain and had undergone surgery at the Netcare Umhlanga Hospital to remove the bullet lodged in his left shoulder.

The incident took place at Stanmore Secondary School at 8am.

“His mother is at his side and is very distraught. It’s been rough for the whole family.”

Weekend reports said the boy had been shot in a game of “Russian Roulette”, a claim dismissed as rubbish by the family.

“No, from what we know, he was shot in the back. He is a quiet, humble boy who spends most of his time at home, if he isn’t in school. There’s no proof he was playing that game.”

The relative said the family was angry that the incident had taken place at school and hoped an investigation into what had led to the shooting would be taken seriously by them.

“You think your kids are safe at school but this is obviously not the case.”

Police said on Friday: “He was injured when a 14-year-old boy shot at him while he was playing with a gas gun at the school.”

It later emerged in other media reports that the weapon was an actual gun, believed to be a revolver, but this has not been confirmed by authorities

Police spokesman, Major Thulani Zwane, said a case of attempted murder was opened at Phoenix police station.

“The suspect was later arrested and released into his parents’ care. He will appear in court soon,” he said.

kamcilla.pillay@inl.co.za

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