Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a teacher who was attacked while walking to work near Michael Zulu Primary School in Tsakane on Monday morning.
- A teacher from Michael Zulu Primary School in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni, was fatally shot on Monday morning, less than 1km from the school.
- The motive for the killing has not yet been established.
- Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile called on residents to reject criminality and to play an active role in safeguarding schools and neighbourhoods.
Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has expressed shock and sadness following the fatal shooting of a teacher on Monday morning.
The teacher from Michael Zulu Primary School in Tsakane, Ekurhuleni, was gunned down at about 07:00 while on his way to work.
The department said in a statement that, according to preliminary information, the teacher was walking with a group of pupils when he was attacked at the corner of Dunge and Masinga Streets, less than 1km from the school.
The motive for the shooting is unknown, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an investigation.
“The loss of an educator is a profound tragedy, not only for the school but for society. Educators dedicate their lives to nurturing, mentoring and preparing the next generation, and no family or school should have to endure such a devastating loss,” Maile said.
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His department immediately activated its psychosocial support plans, and the District Integrated School Support Team was deployed to provide trauma debriefing to affected pupils.
“Further psychosocial support has been arranged, while the department is also working closely with the teacher’s family to ensure they receive the necessary counselling and support.”
Maile said that the tragic incident was a painful reminder that the fight against crime cannot be left to law enforcement agencies alone.
“The department continues to mobilise parents, communities, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, community policing forums, civil society and all spheres of government to work together to combat criminality, protect learners and educators, and create safer environments in and around our schools.”
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He called on residents to reject criminality, “cooperate with law enforcement authorities, report those responsible for violent crime and play an active role in safeguarding our schools and neighbourhoods”.
“An attack on an educator is an attack on the future of our children and on the values that bind our communities together,” he said.
Prega Govender
www.news24.com
