We can confirm that a bullet fired from outside school grounds hit and injured a six-year-old Grade 1 learner at Downville Primary School in Manenberg about noon today.

The girl was rushed to the Red Cross Children's Hospital where she is reported to be in a stable condition.

The shooting severely traumatized a teacher who was with the girl at the time. The police, who responded immediately to a call from the school, provided trauma debriefing for the teacher.

The school reported the incident to the Safe Schools Call Centre of the Western Cape Education Department.

The Safe Schools and district officials are currently at the school to debrief staff and to discuss safety issues.

Three school psychologists from our Newlands school clinic are also at the school to provide trauma counseling for learners and teachers.

According to the police, an adult male fired a shot during an argument with another adult near the school fence. The police have arrested three suspects in connection with the shooting.

All concerned are shocked by this shooting. Our immediate concern is the condition of the learner and others affected by this incident. Ultimately, we will have to work with the local community and other role players to develop responses to this incident.