Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) says it is “deeply shocked and saddened” after the principal of Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa and an administrative staff member were shot dead inside the school’s administration block on Tuesday afternoon.
According to the department, the shooting happened at around 5pm while the 58-year-old principal, the 55-year-old administrator, and several colleagues were preparing for a meeting scheduled for later this week.
“Colleagues who were in a nearby office suddenly overheard gunshots,” the department said. Fearing for their lives, they hid until they believed it was safe to emerge. When they came out, they found the principal and the administrator lying in the passage of the admin block.
Emergency services were called and “responded swiftly”, but both women were declared dead on the scene.
Police have launched an investigation into the killings. No arrests had been confirmed at the time of publication.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the school on Tuesday evening to assess the scene and meet with both families.
Chiloane condemned the attack, calling it 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.
Psychosocial support teams from the Ekurhuleni North District will be deployed to the school on Wednesday to provide counselling to pupils and staff. The department’s employee wellness unit will also offer support to affected employees.
The GDE urged anyone with information to assist police as the investigation continues.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
