A wave of grief and outrage swept through the Bloekombos community in Kraaifontein following the brutal murder of Ekuthuleni Primary School's principal on Thursday, 23 January.
The 54-year-old principal and his wife were gunned down in a brazen attack as pupils and teachers arrived at the school gates.
Witnesses described a terrifying scene. "Children and parents ran for cover as bullets were flying at the school gate," recounted one parent, still visibly shaken. "It was a scary scene, and we are lucky to be alive because we were very close to the scene. I had to take my kid home because she was crying and traumatised."
The attack unfolded around 7am, as the couple arrived in their white Mahindra vehicle at the school entrance on Henzikile Street, Wallacedene.
"At about 7am, two persons stopped at the entrance of an institute of learning at Henzikile Street, Wallacedene, in their white Mahindra vehicle. Three unidentified males approached the victims’ vehicle and opened fire at them, which led to the death of a 54-year-old male and an injured female who was admitted to hospital," Captain van Wyk detailed.
He confirmed that the suspects escaped in an unknown vehicle, leaving behind a scene of chaos and devastation. The principal died at the scene, while his wife sustained a gunshot wound to her leg and was rushed to hospital for treatment. Celeb Gossip News later confirmed the injured woman to be the principal's wife.
The Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit immediately launched an investigation, with detectives combing the area for clues. Captain van Wyk appealed to the public for assistance: "Anyone with information about this fatal shooting incident is kindly requested to contact the investigating officer Detective Colonel Eddie Clark at 082 469 1531 or Crime Stop at 08600 10111.”
The incident prompted immediate responses from government officials. Western Cape MEC of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Anroux Marais, expressed profound sadness and assured the community of swift action.
“This case is receiving the highest priority," she stated. "My deepest condolences go to the family and loved ones of the deceased, as well as to the whole school community. I hope the injured recovers fully. I have the greatest confidence in the Western Cape Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes detectives who are on the case.”
Similarly, Western Cape Education MEC David Maynier offered his condolences and pledged support to the school community.
“This is a terrible tragedy for the school and community, and we offer our deepest condolences to the principal’s loved ones," Maynier said.
"Our district team is on the ground at the school to offer support to the staff and learners today and in the coming days. We trust that the SAPS will leave no stone unturned in locating and apprehending the perpetrators.”
The Western Cape Education Department spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, confirmed that officials were present at the school, providing support and gathering information. Further details, she indicated, would be released once the investigation progressed.
The senseless violence left the community reeling. Ward councillor Siyabonga Duka, speaking to SABC News, expressed the community's shock and grief, particularly the impact on young pupils. "I so wish there were an investigation that could take place here to get those behind this," Duka said, highlighting the community’s desperate plea for justice.
Education activist Hendrick Makaneta vehemently condemned the attack, calling for enhanced safety measures in and around schools. "Schools should be sanctuaries of learning and development, not places where violence is allowed to take root," he declared.
He underscored the devastating impact on the education sector, stating, "The loss of a dedicated educator under such tragic circumstances is not only a blow to the Ekuthuleni Primary School community but also a tragedy for South Africa’s education sector as a whole.”
Makaneta urged law enforcement to conduct a thorough investigation, leaving no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice. He also stressed the need for addressing the root causes of community violence and strengthening school security.
"Security at schools must be strengthened, and interventions are urgently needed to address the root causes of violence in our communities," he concluded.
The atmosphere at Ekuthuleni Primary School remained sombre in the aftermath of the tragedy. The shocking incident led many parents to collect their children from school, leaving the schoolyard unusually quiet.
