The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) can confirm that a hijacker shot and injured the assistant secretary at Mandalay Primary School, Mitchell's Plain, this morning.

The hijacker apparently followed the school secretary into the school grounds when she arrived for work, and demanded her car.

The hijacker fired a shot, injuring the assistant secretary in the leg, before taking the car. Police subsequently found the car in Philippi, but the assailant is still at large, according to our information.

The injured member of staff was taken to hospital for treatment. The school contacted the police and the Safe Schools coordinator at the Metropole South Education District office.

The school psychologist provided trauma debriefing for relevant staff and learners immediately after the incident. The district office will provide additional counseling support, as required.

Meanwhile, the WCED's Safe Schools Division has arranged additional security and will discuss further measures with the school and the Department of Community Safety.