EC Social Development MEC shocked by killing of three educators

File image: Eastern Cape Social Development MEC, Bukiwe Fanta

Eastern Cape MEC for Social Development, Bukiwe Fanta, has expressed shock and sadness after the fatal shooting of three educators at Ntabankulu Primary school. A 52-year-old former deputy-principal of the school opened fire randomly in the classroom where he found the educators, before turning the gun on himself.

It is reported that he was fired from the school in 2023 for alleged sexual misconduct involving learners.

The MEC for Education to visit Ntabankulu Primary School,following the fatal shooting of three Teachers. pic.twitter.com/k1QUD1OaSR

— ECDOE (@ECDOEZA) January 24, 2026

The department’s spokesperson Mzukisi Solani says there’s always a legitimate expectation that schools should be safe spaces for conducive teaching and learning.

“Therefore, they cannot be turned into war zones where educators and learners have got to scurry for cover against shootings. The MEC believes that this tragedy must not deter parents, teachers and learners from reporting incidents of sexual misconduct by educators, because by remaining silent against such acts, that will undermine the collective efforts against sexual abuse of children by educators.”

Sekushone uthisha wesithathu obengeniswe esibhedlela sase Mthatha kulandela isigameko sokudubula esenzeke esikoleni samabanga aphansi eNtabankulu e-Eastern Cape. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/p55NcgbHm4

— SABC izindaba (@SABCizindaba) January 23, 2026