Eastern Cape shooting: Teacher dies in hospital raising death toll to three
Teacher succumbs to injuries after Eastern Cape shooting, raising death toll to three.
Image: Leon Knipe/ Independent Newspapers
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Eastern Cape confirmed that a teacher who was in hospital following a shooting at Ntabankulu Primary School has died in hospital, bringing the death toll to three.
"She sadly succumbed to her injuries last night while being transported by ambulance to Mthatha Hospital. The ambulance personnel diverted to Madzikane Hospital after she experienced medical complications, where she was declared deceased by the attending doctor," said provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana.
Gantana said the incident occurred at approximately 12:pm when a former teacher at the school allegedly forced his way onto the premises by cutting through the perimeter fence.
"This development means all three educators shot in the attack have now been declared deceased. All victims were female educators," Gantana added.
Gantana said names of the deceased will be released once all next-of-kin notifications have been formally completed.
The male suspect, a former teacher at the school who was dismissed in 2023 following sexual assault charges and was out on bail, was declared deceased at the scene.
Gantana said police will be investigating three counts of murder and one inquest case.
"SAPS extends its most heartfelt and sincere condolences to the families, friends, colleagues, and the entire school community devastated by this profound loss."
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