NTABANKULU – The MEC for Education in the Eastern Cape, Fundile Gade, together with the entire Department of Education and the Ntabankulu Primary School community, mourns the devastating and senseless loss of three female teachers who tragically died following a shooting incident at the school.
In a statement released by the Eastern Cape Department of Education, it was revealed that 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 teachers were gathered.
One teacher died at the scene, while two others later succumbed to their injuries at a medical facility.
After the fatal shooting, the perpetrator turned the firearm on himself and died on the school premises.
The statement said that the deceased perpetrator had recently been dismissed following a disciplinary process linked to allegations of sexual misconduct involving learners.
“At the time of the incident, he was also facing criminal charges on the same matter at the Mthatha Regional Court,” the statement said.
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.
Immediately following the incident, all learners and teachers were safely released from school with the support of South African Police Service.
“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,” the statement said.
On Monday, 26 January, Gade will lead a delegation from the Department’s Senior Management Team to Ntabankulu Primary School and the homes of the bereaved families to convey heartfelt condolences and offer support during this profoundly difficult time.
Gade has condemned this act of violence in the strongest terms and reiterates the department’s commitment to schools as safe spaces of learning, care, and safety.
He reiterated that the wheels of justice need to turn faster in processing lawlessness.
As previously reported, police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana indicated that the SAPS has opened cases including two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, and one inquest docket, and that the investigation into the full circumstances of the attack continues.
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