A teacher and an administrator were shot and killed at Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, on Tuesday.
Gauteng education spokesperson Steve Mabona said staff were preparing for an upcoming meeting when they heard several gunshots and ran for cover.
When they emerged, they found the principal and an administrator lying on the floor in the administration block.
Mabona said the incident happened at around 5pm.
“The colleagues immediately contacted emergency services, who responded swiftly. Sadly, both the principal and the administrative staff member were declared dead at the scene,” he said.
‘BRUTAL ACT’
Provincial premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the school and the families of the victims to convey their condolences.
Mabona said psychosocial teams have been deployed to provide counseling to teachers.
Chiloane urged police to act swiftly.
“We are horrified by this senseless and brutal act committed within a school, a place meant to be a sanctuary for teaching and learning.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences go to the families of the Principal and the staff member whose lives were tragically cut short. We urge law enforcement authorities to move with speed to bring the perpetrator to justice,” said Chiloane.
DA BLAMES LESUFI
Meanwhile, the DA has blamed Lesufi for the shooting, saying the department has been removing security guards from schools and leaving learners vulnerable to crime.
Shadow education MEC Sergio Isa Dos Santos said the incident highlighted a decline in school safety under the premier’s leadership and called on Lesufi and Chiloane to urgently provide a plan to secure schools across the province.
“The senseless killings at Inxiweni Primary School validate our long-standing concerns and reinforce the view that our schools have become dangerous zones,” the party said.
A police investigation is ongoing.
