Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has visited the family of Siyabonga Tshabalala, a 29-year-old teacher from Michael Zulu Primary School who was shot and killed on his way to school in Tsakane.
Maile expressed deep sorrow over Tshabalala’s death, describing the incident as a devastating blow not only to the family, but also to the education sector and the broader Tsakane community.
“We came here to stand with the family in their time of unimaginable pain. No words can truly ease the hurt of losing a loved one in such a tragic and senseless manner,” he said.
Maile added: “We want to assure the family that they are not alone; we will walk this journey with them and provide all the necessary support they may need.”
To outline available psychosocial support services, including counselling and continuous assistance, senior officials from the Gauteng Department of Education accompanied Maile to engage with the family.
Furthermore, the department has reiterated its dedication to assisting the pupils, colleagues, and school community impacted by Tshabalala’s murder.
At Michael Zulu Primary School, psychosocial support teams continue to actively offer emotional guidance and trauma counselling.
Additionally, Maile renewed his appeal for calm and pressed law enforcement authorities to accelerate the investigation into the murder.
“We continue to call on SAPS to ensure that those responsible for this heinous act are brought to justice. Our communities must also work together to end violence and protect those who serve our children,” he said.
The department said it remained committed to providing ongoing assistance to both the Tshabalala family and the school community as they endure this period of mourning.
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