Staff Reporter.
The deputy principal of Phomolong Secondary School, who was shot dead on Friday afternoon, was a hardworking, dedicated and committed teacher, the Gauteng education department said.
The 50-year-old was driving out of the school gate when three gunmen appeared and shot her three times through the passenger window.
Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi said they were devastated by the shooting.
He said that according to information at his disposal, the incident occurred in the afternoon when the 50-year-old woman was driving out of the school gate.
“Three gunmen suddenly appeared and allegedly shot her three times through the passenger window. Subsequently, she got out of her car trying to evade the hailstorm of bullets, but she fell just beside the car.
“One of the gunmen allegedly shot her twice while she was on the ground, and they fled the scene without taking anything from her,” he said.
Lesufi is on Monday expected to visit Phomolong Secondary school and subsequently proceed to the family of the late deputy principal to convey his condolences.
Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga said that the incident shocked her to the core, that criminals dare to shoot and kill a teacher inside school premises.
“Schools are supposed to be safe places of learning and teaching and it is quite alarming that armed individuals can stroll into a school to commit such a barbaric act. I wish to express my sincerely condolences to the family of the deceased teacher, Phomolong High School staff and learners, including those who allegedly witnessed this traumatic incident,” Motshekga said.
The Minister said that police should leave no stone unturned and act as speedily as possible to arrest the criminals involved.
She also urged members of the community to come forward and assist law enforcement with information they may have.
“Safety in our schools remains a top priority of the Department of Basic Education as we focus on providing a conducive environment for learning and teaching. We will continue to work with the police, sister departments, our social partners and communities at large to strive for zero incidents of crime in our schools,” she said.
At this stage, police could not confirm the motive behind the shooting.
“The motive of the murder cannot be confirmed at this stage,” says police spokesperson, Mavela Masondo.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the three suspects were driving a white vehicle,”he adds.
Masondo said police are appealing to anyone who might have information and can help the investigation to come forward.