By Jacobs Botha,
A school principal and an administrative staff member were shot dead inside the administration block of Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa, South Africa, in a shocking attack that has drawn national attention and raised fresh concerns about violence affecting schools across the continent.
The shooting happened around 5pm on Tuesday as the two women — the 58-year-old principal and a 55-year-old administrator — were preparing for an upcoming meeting. Colleagues working nearby reported hearing sudden gunfire and hid in fear. When they emerged, they found the two victims lying in the passageway. Paramedics arrived swiftly but declared both women dead at the scene.
Police have launched an investigation, but the motive behind the attack remains unknown.
The incident adds to growing worries about educator safety in parts of Africa, where schools are increasingly contending with violence, burglaries, and community unrest that disrupt learning environments.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the school on Tuesday evening to offer condolences to the victims’ families and meet with traumatised staff. Both leaders described the killings as a devastating blow to the education sector and an attack on a space meant to nurture children.
Psychosocial support teams from the Ekurhuleni North District will be deployed to the school on Wednesday to counsel learners and staff, while the education department’s wellness unit will support affected employees.
MEC Chiloane condemned the attack in the strongest terms.
“We are horrified by this senseless and brutal act committed within a school, a place meant to be a sanctuary for teaching and learning. Our 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.
The Gauteng Department of Education says it will continue working closely with police as investigations unfold.
