Tragedy has struck the education sector after a grade 6 mathematics teacher in Philippi was gunned down several times while sitting in his vehicle outside Heinz Park primary school on Tuesday morning.
The teacher who has been identified as Thulani Manqoyi is reported to have just arrived at the school's parking lot when he was confronted by two gunmen who opened fire and fled the scene shortly after.
According to eNCA reporter, Ayesha Ismail who spoke to some of the nearby residents, the incident may be related to an undisciplined pupil who had a tendency of misbehaving and had been sent to the principal's office by the teacher on Monday. No arrests have been made.
In a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga condemned the incident and said that she is saddened by the continuing violent crimes against the country's teachers.
We condemn any form of violence in our schools. We are working with the police to ensure the safety of our teachers, learners and the entire school community against criminals who continue to terrorise them in a safe environment that schools are supposed to be.
The Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schäfer also went on to officer her heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased saying that she was shocked upon hearing about the incident.
I am shocked to hear of a shooting this morning that has taken the life of one of our teachers from Heinz Park Primary School. I offer my deepest condolences to his loved ones, colleagues and school to lose a long-serving teacher in this way is a senseless tragedy.
Minister Angie Motshekga saddened by the killing of a teacher in the Western Cape. @WCEDnews @ReginahMhaule @HubertMweli @ElijahMhlanga @dbetvnews pic.twitter.com/8LsNYwLcce
— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) September 21, 2021
