Two women — the principal and a staff member — shot dead inside Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa
Two women - the principal of Inxiweni Primary School and the administrator were fatally shot inside Tembisa school's premises, prompting police probe and deployment of counselling teams
Image: City of Ekurhuleni
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has expressed deep shock and sadness following a shooting incident at Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa, Ekurhuleni, on Tuesday afternoon, in which the school principal and an administrative staff member were fatally shot inside the school’s administration block.
According to the department, the incident happened at around 5 pm while the 58-year-old principal, a 55-year-old administrator, and other staff members were preparing for a meeting scheduled to take place later in the week.
“It is alleged that the colleagues who were in a nearby office suddenly overheard gunshots. Fearing for their safety, they hid until it seemed safe to come out. When they did, they reportedly found the principal and the administrator lying in the passage of the admin block,” said GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona.
Emergency services were called to the scene and responded swiftly, but both victims were declared dead upon arrival. Police have since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the school later in the evening to assess the scene and offer support to the bereaved families.
“They met with both families to convey condolences and to express support during this difficult time,” Mabona said.
The department confirmed that psychosocial support teams, including officials from the Ekurhuleni North District, would be dispatched to the school on Wednesday to provide counselling and trauma support to learners and staff. Employee wellness officials will also visit to offer assistance to affected employees.
Reacting to the tragedy, Chiloane described the shooting as a “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.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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