The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has been shaken by a devastating tragedy after the principal and an administrative staff member at Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa were brutally gunned down inside the school’s administration block on Tuesday afternoon.
According to GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona, the incident unfolded at around 5pm while the principal, a 58-year-old woman, the 55-year-old administrator and other staff members were preparing for a meeting scheduled later in the week.
Mabona said colleagues working in a nearby office suddenly heard gunfire and immediately took cover.
“When the colleagues eventually came out, they found both the principal and the administrator lying in the passage of the admin block,” he said.
He added that emergency services were contacted without delay, but both women were declared dead upon arrival.
Police have since launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killings.
Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the school shortly after the incident to assess the scene, gather facts and offer support to the grieving families.
The department said it has offered psychosocial support to the school community, confirming that district officials and specialised counselling teams were deployed on Wednesday, 19 November, to assist traumatised learners and staff. Employee wellness services will also remain on-site to provide additional support.
Chiloane condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling it a horrifying act committed in a place meant to be safe for children and educators.
“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,” he said.
The Star
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