Zimbabwe pupil killed by anti-aircraft fire during school assembly

A pupil in Zimbabwe has been killed during his school assembly by a bullet accidentally fired from an anti-aircraft gun 7km away, it was reported on Thursday.


Another child was seriously injured in the tragic incident, which happened on Wednesday, the last day of term, according to the state-controlled Herald newspaper.

Both children were from Delamour High School in Darwendale, about 60km north-west of Harare.

A spokesperson for the Zimbabwe National Army told the Herald troops from the nearby Inkomo Barracks were on a training exercise.

Lieutenant Colonel Maphios Makotere was quoted as saying, "A live bullet from an anti-aircraft gun flew over a catch and trajected [sic] for over 7km, travelling towards the children where it hit them while they were at school assembly."

The paper's readers have reacted with shock.

One called for counselling to be provided for staff and other pupils who were in assembly at the time. "I can imagine the horror of seeing your friend/schoolmate dying," the reader posted online.

Investigations are under way.

Inkomo Barracks houses the Parachute Battalion, part of the Zimbabwe National Army's Special Forces.