Gauteng MEC for Education Lebogang Maile has condemned the fatal shooting of a 29 year old educator from Michael Zulu Primary School in Tsakane, describing the incident as a tragic loss for the education sector and the broader community.
The educator was shot and killed at approximately 7:00am on Monday, 3 August 2026, while walking to school.
According to preliminary information, he was walking alongside a group of learners when he was attacked at the corner of Dunge and Masinga streets, less than one kilometre from the school.
The motive for the shooting remains unknown. The South African Police Service (SAPS) has launched an investigation into the incident.
On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government, MEC Maile extended his condolences to the educator’s family, colleagues, learners and the 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. 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,” the MEC said.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has activated psychosocial support services to assist those affected by the tragedy.
The District Integrated School Support Team has been deployed to provide trauma counselling to learners, while the Circuit Team, Integrated School Support Programme (ISSP) and Safe Schools Management have met with educators and staff to coordinate the Department’s response.
Additional counselling services have been arranged through the PMD Unit, and the Department is working closely with the educator’s family to ensure they receive the necessary support.
Maile said the incident highlights the urgent need for communities to work together in the fight against crime.
He said the Department’s “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child” campaign continues to mobilise parents, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, community policing forums, civil society and government institutions to help create safer environments in and around schools.
“Safe schools can only exist in safe communities,” Maile said, urging residents to reject criminality, cooperate with law enforcement agencies and report information that could assist in bringing those responsible to justice.
He added that an attack on an educator is an attack on the future of South Africa’s children and the values that unite communities.
The MEC appealed to anyone with information about the shooting to assist SAPS with its investigation. The Department said it will continue supporting the Michael Zulu Primary School community while working with stakeholders to ensure schools remain safe and conducive to learning.
