Parents at Edgemead Primary in Cape Town have been left shaken after a Grade 6 learner was allegedly linked to a disturbing “hit list” naming classmates as targets.

The list was reportedly discovered on 13 March and triggered fear across the school community. Some parents say the incident has left children traumatised and scared to return to class.

One concerned parent said the situation has caused deep distress and raised serious questions about learner safety. The parent also alleged that more troubling claims surfaced after the list was found.

These claims included reports from pupils that the learner had allegedly behaved inappropriately toward female learners and had shown other children photos of firearms said to belong to his father.

School Says Matter was Escalated Immediately

The school has moved to calm fears and says the matter is being handled.

In a statement issued on 15 March, the school said learners who became aware of the list reported it to a teacher. The matter was then immediately escalated to the counselling department and the principal.

That response is now central to the school’s effort to reassure parents that proper steps were taken once the allegations emerged.

Still, some parents remain frustrated and say there has not been enough clear communication from the school. They believe that uncertainty has made the situation worse for families already under stress.

WCED Confirms Investigation is Under Way

The Western Cape Education Department has confirmed that it is aware of the allegations.

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the matter is being managed by the school in line with the relevant protocols and procedures. She said the allegations have been addressed with the parents involved and that counselling support has been made available.

Hammond also confirmed that an internal investigation is under way.

She said the learner implicated in the allegations is not currently attending school and has been referred for additional counselling support.

Support Continues for Affected Learners

The department says psychosocial support will continue for learners who need it.

That may offer some relief to families, but for many parents the priority remains simple: making sure children feel safe in the classroom.

As the investigation continues, the focus will stay on learner wellbeing, school safety and whether enough was done to respond quickly and transparently.