The acting principal of Northview High School in Balfour, Johannesburg, was shot six times in his office on Tuesday morning by two unidentified men.
According to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), the suspects entered the school premises under the guise of providing a quotation for tree felling.
After entering the principal’s office, the assailants shot him multiple times. The GDE reported that the victim is currently in ICU, in a stable but critical condition.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed grave concern over the increasing violence in schools, noting that 245 schools in the province have been identified as high-risk areas for violence.
Chiloane stated: “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.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the acting principal, his family, and the school community during this difficult time. We wish him a speedy recovery.”
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona informed The Star that there are currently no developments regarding the motive behind the incident.
He was unable to provide a timeline for when GDE officials would visit the acting principal’s family, stating: “I know if such developments exist, we will update.”
The GDE confirmed that the police have launched an investigation into the attack.
In a separate incident, a 50-year-old isiXhosa National Senior Certificate examination paper marker at the Alberton Marking Centre died on Tuesday evening in a freak accident.
The marker reportedly tripped and hit her head against a pole while leaving the marking centre. The GDE noted that she succumbed to her injuries after being admitted to hospital.
Chiloane extended condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased marker, saying: “Her commitment to the education sector was invaluable, and her untimely passing is a profound loss to all of us.”
The GDE has dispatched its Psycho-Social Support Unit to offer trauma counselling for those affected by both incidents.
“Our Psycho-Social Support Unit will be on-site at the Alberton Marking Centre today to provide emotional support to her colleagues and others affected by this incident,” said the GDE.
The Star
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