KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka has sent condolences to the family of Sikhethuxolo High School principal who was shot dead in school premises in Hammarsdale.
The incident happened on Thursday, 5 December.
KWAZULU-NATAL PRINCIPAL SHOT DEAD
Hlomuka condemned this act of violence, emphasising that schools must remain sanctuaries of learning and not places of fear.
“It is beyond comprehension that criminals would target an educator in such a callous manner,” he said.
MEC Hlomuka has called on law enforcement agencies to act urgently and ensure those responsible are brought to book.
“I urge the police to prioritize this case and leave no stone unturned in their investigation”.
The Department of Education has deployed officials to the school to provide immediate support and counselling to learners, educators, and staff who have been deeply traumatised by this incident. Plans are also underway to address safety concerns across the province’s schools.
“We are united in our grief and our outrage. This incident reminds us of the urgent need to protect our educators and learners from violence. As we mourn, let us commit to building a culture of peace and safety in all our schools,” MEC Hlomuka concluded.
The Department calls on the community to cooperate with the police and provide any information that could assist in apprehending the perpetrators
NORTHVIEW HIGH ACTING PRINCIPAL SHOT SIX TIMES ON SCHOOL PREMISES
In another unfortunate incident, the acting principal at Northview High School in Gauteng was shot six times in his office on Tuesday, 3 December.
Mabona said that, according to information at their disposal, two unidentified armed men entered the school premises on Tuesday morning under the guise of seeing the acting principal and asking him to give him a quotation for tree felling.
The men then reportedly entered the acting principal’s office and suddenly opened fire at him, hitting him 6 times before fleeing the scene.
“The acting principal was rushed to a medical facility, where he is currently in ICU. Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding this incident are currently underway.
The department dispatched its psycho-social support unit on Wednesday, 4 December, to provide necessary trauma counselling for learners and educators who may have been affected by this incident.
“As the department, we are deeply shocked by this brazen act of violence and lawlessness, which not only targeted a school leader but undermined the sanctity of our educational institution. We work closely with law enforcement to ensure the perpetrators are brought to book. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Acting Principal, his family, and the school community during this difficult time, and we wish him a speedy recovery,” said MEC Chiloane.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THE ATTACKS ON SCHOOL PRINCIPALS AND EDUCATORS?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
