School Shooting Tragedy Deepens As Third Teacher Dies At Eastern Cape Primary

The devastating shooting at Ntabankulu Primary School in the Eastern Cape has claimed the lives of three teachers, plunging the education sector into mourning.

Police confirmed on Friday that a third educator has died after succumbing to injuries sustained during Thursday’s deadly attack.

Third Teacher Succumbs to Injuries After School Shooting

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the third victim passed away while being transported to hospital.

“It is with deep sorrow that we confirm the passing of the third educator. She sadly succumbed to her injuries last night while being transported by ambulance to Mthatha Hospital,” Gantana said.

“The ambulance personnel diverted to Madzikane Hospital after she experienced medical complications where she was declared deceased by the attending doctor.”

All three victims were female teachers. Police said their names will be released once all next-of-kin have been formally informed.

Former Deputy Principal Opened Fire Before Taking Own Life

According to police, the suspect — the school’s former deputy principal — forcibly entered the premises by cutting through the perimeter fence and opened fire in the staff room around lunchtime.

He shot three teachers before turning the gun on himself. He was declared dead at the scene.

Police are investigating three counts of murder as well as an inquest docket.

“The Saps extends its most heartfelt and sincere condolences to the families, friends, colleagues and the entire school community devastated by this profound loss,” Gantana said.

“The investigation into the full circumstances continues.”

Prior Threats, Dismissal and Court Interdict Revealed

The Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) revealed that the suspect had been dismissed in 2023 following a disciplinary process linked to allegations of sexual misconduct involving pupils.

He was also facing criminal charges in the Mthatha Regional Court.

“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,” the department said.

Chaos, Trauma and Calls for Urgent School Security

Lungisile Mzanywa, head of communications at the Ntabankulu Local Municipality, described scenes of panic as learners fled the school.

“It was a very chaotic situation… parents are trying to locate their children across the town, across the shops in town, along the road,” Mzanywa told the SABC.

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The ECDoE said all pupils and staff were safely released, while the Department of Social Development activated psycho-social support and trauma counselling services.

Education MEC Fundile Gade is expected to visit the school and bereaved families on Monday. He condemned the attack and reiterated that schools must be safe spaces.

Unions Condemn Attack, Demand Faster Justice

Teacher unions have strongly condemned the shooting.

The National Teachers’ Union (Natu) said it was “deeply shocked and heartbroken”, calling for a swift investigation and stronger school security.

“Violence has no place in our places of learning and we will not rest until our educators can teach without fear,” the union said.

Fedusa urged tighter security and increased resources at schools, while Sadtu described the killing of three female teachers as a devastating blow to the community.

“Quality teaching and learning can only take place in an environment that is safe and conducive,” Sadtu said.

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