Last month, we heard of another tragic shooting in San Bernardino, California. Cedric Anderson, 53, walked into North Park Elementary School and fatally shot his wife in her class. He also killed an 8 year old child in the crossfire, before turning the gun on himself.
According to research published in January this year, school shootings rise in tandem with unemployment rates. The study conducted in the US spans 23 years of research and reveals that mass shootings and gun violence in schools has increased since 2007.
Here at home, crime statistics reveal that:
• 16 people are shot and killed every day in South Africa
• the unemployment rate was recorded as 25.5% in January
With tough economic conditions forecast for the year and corresponding job losses, violent crime remains a concern and is a potential danger in our schools. It is important for parents and schools to take head and to implement strict security measures at our schools.
It is evident that gun violence is no longer the domain of the US. There are reports of school shootings across the globe, including:
France – On 16 March, 4 people were injured by a teenager obsessed with firearms.
Scotland – In March 1996, a gunman opened fire on children and their teacher at a school in Dunblane. 16 people were killed.
Germany – There was an incident in 2002 and again in 2009 in which 31 people died.
Brazil – In 2011 a youth in Brazil killed 10 people and wounded 18 before taking his own life.
Finland – There have been two incidents, one in 2007 and another in 2008 where a total of 19 people were killed.
Our youth are our future and therefore We need to be vigilant. We must take the necessary precautions to protect them and ensure their safety and security.