In a devastating act of violence that has rocked the rural community of Ntabankulu, a suspended deputy principal allegedly stormed his former school on Thursday, fatally shooting three female teachers before taking his own life. The incident at Ntabankulu Primary School has left pupils, staff, and families in deep trauma, prompting calls for enhanced school security across South Africa.
The attack unfolded around midday on January 22, when the 52-year-old perpetrator, who had been dismissed from the school and was out on bail facing sexual assault charges involving learners, forcibly entered the premises by cutting through the perimeter fence. He proceeded to the school kitchen, where he opened fire on three educators. One teacher was declared dead at the scene, while the suspect also died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The two surviving victims were rushed to medical facilities: one succumbed to her injuries at Ntabankulu Medical Centre, and the third passed away overnight at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha, as confirmed by the Eastern Cape Department of Education on Friday morning.
Eyewitness accounts and police reports describe a scene of chaos, with learners witnessing parts of the horror. “The community of Ntabankulu has been left traumatised following the shooting,” noted media reports. Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana stated that the former teacher had been charged with sexual assault and was under bail conditions at the time, raising questions about how he accessed a firearm and breached security.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched a full investigation into the circumstances, including the suspect’s violation of bail terms. Forensic teams have cordoned off the area, and psychosocial support services have been deployed to assist affected students and staff. Classes at the school are set to resume on Monday, according to department officials.
Unions and political groups have voiced outrage over the tragedy. The Federation of Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA) expressed horror, calling for immediate improvements in school safety measures. The Democratic Alliance (DA) described the violence as “senseless,” urging a review of security protocols in educational institutions.