Spokesperson for the Department of Education, Malibongwe Mtima said the MEC for the Department of Education in the Eastern Cape, Fundile Gade, together with the entire Department of Education and the Ntabankulu Primary School community, mourn the devastating loss of three female educators who tragically died following a shooting incident at the school on 22 January.
The deceased are a Grade 1 teacher, Nonyameko Matanzima (64), a Grade 3 teacher, Buyiswa Nkqayi (52) and a Grades 4 and 5 isiXhosa teacher, Ntombizonke Nonkondlo (51).
Mtima said the shocking incident occurred during school hours when the school’s former Deputy Principal unlawfully gained access to the school premises and opened fire in the staff room where educators were gathered.
READ MORE HERE: Teacher shot dead, two injured by former colleague at primary school in Ntabankulu
One educator died at the scene, while two others later succumbed to their injuries at a medical facility. Subsequent to the fatal shooting, the perpetrator turned the firearm on himself and died on the school premises.
“The deceased perpetrator had recently been dismissed following a disciplinary process linked to allegations of sexual misconduct involving learners,” said Mtima.
“At the time of the incident, he was also facing criminal charges on the same matter at the Mthatha Regional Court.
“Furthermore, the school had obtained a court interdict against this former employee due to persistent threats and intimidation of staff, including sporadic incidents of gunfire in the vicinity of the school,” he said.
Immediately following the incident, all learners and educators were safely released from school with the support of the South African Police Services.
The department has activated its Wellness Services to provide psycho-social support and trauma counselling to affected learners, staff, and the broader school community. The services will be provided in conjunction with Social Development and other sector departments.
Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, has expressed profound shock, sorrow and outrage at the tragic shooting incident which happened in this school.
He extends his deepest condolences to the families, colleagues, learners and the broader school community who have been traumatised by this horrific act of violence.
“This is a devastating loss of life in a space that should be a sanctuary of learning, safety and hope. Our hearts are with the families who are now left to carry unbearable grief,” he said.
Mabuyane further expressed grave concern that the alleged perpetrator was a former deputy principal who had been dismissed in 2020 for serious misconduct involving the sexual abuse of learners and whose criminal case has been ongoing since 2023.
“This tragedy raises painful but necessary questions about institutional accountability, the protection of whistleblowers, the responsiveness of law enforcement and the safeguarding of our schools. No child and no educator should ever feel unsafe in a school environment.”
He has strongly condemned the abuse of children by those entrusted with their care, describing it as a betrayal of the highest order.
Mabuyane added that teachers occupy a sacred position in society. “When that trust is violated through abuse, violence or exploitation, the full might of the law must act swiftly and decisively.”
He has called on the South African Police Services and all relevant authorities to ensure that a comprehensive investigation is conducted, including a review of how previous warnings and reports were handled.
Mabuyane also urged the Department of Education, Social Development and Health to provide immediate psycho-social support to affected learners, educators and families.
“We must honour the memory of the educators who lost their lives by strengthening our systems of protection, accountability and early intervention. We owe it to every child in the Eastern Cape to build schools that are safe, nurturing and free from fear.”
Provincial Secretary for the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union in the Eastern Cape, Malibongwe Ntame, said as a union, they are shocked, disturbed and perturbed by the tragic incident of three innocent female teachers from this school. The passing of these educators is a huge loss to the school and the community of Ntabankulu.
“We declared our schools as safer havens for teaching and learning, and they must remain like that.
“Having strong fencing as a baseline, employment of security guards/personnel, installation of CCTV cameras and panic buttons can strengthen and guarantee the safety and security of teachers, learners and support staff, parents etc. in all our schools,” said Ntame.
He added that proper and quality teaching and learning can only take place when the environment is conducive.
“We are calling upon all State Departments to urgently provide psycho-social services to the entire school community of Ntabankulu Primary.
“We further urge the Law Enforcement Agencies to fast-track the investigation processes. Lastly, we extend our sincere and deepest condolences to the school community of Ntabankulu Primary and the affected families in particular.”
Police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, confirmed that the third educator succumbed to her injuries while being transported by ambulance to Mthatha Hospital.
She said the ambulance personnel diverted to Madzikane Hospital in Mount Frere after she experienced medical complications, where she was declared deceased by the attending doctor.
“This development means all three educators shot in the attack have now been declared deceased. All victims were female educators,” said Gantana.
“The suspect, a former teacher at the school who was dismissed in 2023 following sexual assault charges and was out on bail, was declared deceased at the scene.
“The investigation has now been revised to the following case classifications: three counts of murder and an inquest docket,” concluded Gantana.
According to Gantana, the investigation into the full circumstances continues.
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