Cape Town – Eastern Cape education community, two teachers were killed and a third critically injured in a shooting at Ntabankulu Primary School on Thursday, January 22, 2026, in Zwelitsha, a township in the Eastern Cape.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) confirmed that the suspected gunman, a former teacher at the school, also died at the scene after turning the gun on himself.
According to police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, the incident unfolded at around 12 pm when the suspect allegedly forcibly gained entry by cutting through the school’s perimeter fence.
“It is alleged that at approximately 12 pm a former teacher at the school, who was out on bail [on] sexual assault charges involving learners, forcibly gained entry to the premises by cutting through the perimeter fence,” Gantana said, as reported by multiple media outlets.
Once inside, the suspect made his way to the school kitchen and opened fire on educators, hitting three women. One teacher was declared dead at the scene, while another died later in hospital. The third teacher remains in critical condition and is receiving medical care. The suspect then took his own life, dying at the scene.
#sapsEC #SAPS Ntabankulu is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred earlier today, 22/01 at Ntabankulu Primary School.
It is alleged that at approximately 12:00, a former teacher of the school, who was out on bail for sexual assault charges involving learners, forcibly… pic.twitter.com/jeXowCM3iB
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) January 22, 2026
The Eastern Cape Department of Education expressed profound distress over the tragedy. Sharon Maasdorp, head of the department, emphasised the need for support within the school community. “We send our condolences to the bereaved families.
We will ensure that the Alfred Ndzo East education district provides counselling and debriefing to the bereaved families and learners,” Maasdorp said, underlining the department’s efforts to provide psychosocial assistance in the aftermath.
Acting provincial police commissioner Major General Thandiswa Kupiso extended condolences to the families and colleagues of the victims, saying, “Our thoughts are also with the injured victims, and we wish them a full recovery.
We condemn this violent act in the strongest terms.” The SAPS has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack, including the suspect’s breach of bail conditions.
The school, which was closed in the immediate aftermath, is expected to reopen next Monday. Authorities and education officials continue to assess the security situation and support needs of both learners and staff.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
