Charges dropped against accused in school shooting

By Chanel September
13 October 2006

A charge of attempted murder has been provisionally withdrawn against the 15-year-old Grade 9 pupil who allegedly shot fellow pupil 14-year-old Tara Pontello.

She was shot in the left side of her lower body on Thursday, August 10.

State prosecutor Nadeem Walters requested a further postponement in Bishop Lavis Magistrates Court yesterday.

Defence attorney David Petersen opposed a further postponement on the grounds that the state did not have the medical report needed for the case to be tried.

The accused stayed in Bonnytown, a place of safety before being place under his mother’s supervision.

According to the Cape Argus Pontello was operated on last week and her final check-up was on Thursday.