Police are investigating after the principal and an administrative staff member were shot dead inside the administration block of Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa.. Picture Credit: School’s Digest
By Aisha Zardad
Tembisa – The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) says it is “deeply shocked and saddened” after the principal and an administrative staff member of Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa were shot dead inside the school’s administration block on Tuesday afternoon.
The fatal shooting occurred at around 5pm while the 58-year-old principal, a 55-year-old administrator and colleagues were preparing for an upcoming meeting.
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said staff in a nearby office heard gunshots and hid until it was safe to emerge. “When they did, they reportedly found the principal and the administrator lying in the passage of the admin block,” he said.
Emergency services responded swiftly, but both women were declared dead on the scene. Police have launched an investigation, and no arrests have yet been confirmed.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the school on Tuesday evening to assess the situation and meet with the grieving families.
The department says psychosocial support teams and district officials will be at the school on Wednesday to assist traumatised teachers and learners. Employee wellness practitioners will also offer counselling to affected staff.
Chiloane condemned the killings as a “senseless and brutal act committed within a school — a space meant to be safe for teaching and learning,” and urged police to act swiftly in tracking down the perpetrator.
