Tragedy struck Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa on Tuesday afternoon when a shooting in the administration block claimed the lives of the principal and an administrative staff member.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said the women, aged 58 and 55, were in the administration block preparing for a meeting when gunfire erupted around 5pm. Colleagues hid nearby, and found both dead in the passage when it was safe to come out.
The teachers were declared dead on the scene.
Police have opened a case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the school on Tuesday evening to gather information and offer condolences to the families of the victims. The GDE has also revealed that it will deploy psychosocial support teams to assist learners and staff coping with the trauma.
“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, calling for swift action to ensure justice is served.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star