Tsakani – A male teacher was shot and killed at around 07:00 on August 3 on his way to work at Michael Zulu Primary School. The Department of Basic Education confirmed the incident.

Gauteng MEC for Education, Lebogang Maile, has expressed profound shock and sadness following the shooting.

According to a statement released by the department, the educator was walking alongside a group of learners when he was attacked at the corner of Dunge and Masinga streets, less than 1km from the school.

The motive for the shooting remains unknown, and the SAPS has opened an investigation.

On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government, MEC Maile extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, his colleagues, learners and the entire Michael Zulu Primary School community.

“The loss of an educator is a profound tragedy, not only for the school but for society as a whole.

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“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,” he said.

The Gauteng Department of Education immediately activated its psychosocial support interventions.

The District Integrated School Support Team was deployed to provide trauma debriefing to affected learners, while the Circuit Team, the Integrated School Support Programme (ISSP) and Safe Schools Management met with educators and staff to provide support and outline the department’s response.

Further psychosocial support has been arranged through the PMD Unit, while the department is also working closely with the educator’s family to ensure they receive the necessary counselling and support.

“This tragic incident is a painful reminder that the fight against crime cannot be left to law enforcement agencies alone.

“It requires a united societal response. The Gauteng Department of Education’s It Takes a Village to Raise a Child campaign brings together parents, communities and stakeholders to help create safer schools,” he added.

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“The initiative promotes partnership in protecting learners and educators while working together to combat crime in and around schools.”

Maile said safe schools can only exist in safe communities.

“We therefore call on all 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.

The MEC has urged anyone with information that may assist the investigation to cooperate fully with SAPS so that those responsible are brought to justice.

The department will continue to support the school community during this difficult period and remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that every learner and every educator can learn and work in an environment that is safe, secure and conducive to quality education.

Comment was requested from the SAPS but no response was received at the time of publication.