By Sonica Naudé-Steyn
Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding a horrific shooting at Ntabankulu Primary School on 22 January 2026 in which a former male teacher, shot and killed three of his female colleagues before turning the gun on himself on school premises.
According to police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, the incident occurred around midday when the former teacher forcibly gained entry to the premises by cutting through the perimeter fence. The former teacher was dismissed from the school in 2023 following sexual assault charges involving learners. At the time of the incident he was out on bail.
“The suspect proceeded directly to the school kitchen, where he opened fire on three educators. Following this, the suspect shot and killed himself. One educator was declared deceased at the scene while the other two were rushed to hospital,” said Gantana.
The second educator later died in hospital while the third passed away while being transported by ambulance to Mthatha Hospital.
“The ambulance personnel diverted to Madzikane Hospital after she experienced medical complications, where she was declared deceased by the attending doctor,” confirmed Gantana.
A full investigation into the circumstances of the attack is underway, including the suspect’s breach of bail conditions. Three cases of murder and one inquest docket is being investigated.
“The SAPS wishes to extend condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased educator. Our thoughts are also with the injured victims, and we wish them a full recovery. We condemn this violent act in the strongest terms,” stated Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, Acting Provincial Commissioner of Eastern Cape.
The three deceased teachers have been identified as 64 year old Mrs Matanzima, 52 year old Mrs Nkqayi and 51 year old Mrs Nonkondlo.
According to the Eastern Cape Department of Education, the shooter was the school’s former Deputy Principal.
“The shocking incident occured during school hours when the school’s former Deputy Principal unlawfully gained access to the school premises and opened fire in the staff room where educators were gathered. The deceased perpetrator had recently been dismissed following a disciplinary process linked to allegations of sexual misconduct involving learners. At the time of the incident, he was also facing criminal charges on the same matter at the Mthatha Regional Court. Furthermore, the school had obtained a court interdict against this former employee due to persistent threats and intimidation of staff, including sporadic incidents of gunfire in the vicinity of the school,” said the department in a statement.
Witnesses at the scene said the shooting triggered absolute chaos at the school with learners running for their lives and hiding. The DOE says that following the incident, all learners and educators were safely released from school with the support of South African Police Services.
“The Department has activated its Wellness Services to provide psycho-social support and trauma counselling to affected learners, staff, and the broader school community. The services will be provided in conjunction with Social Development and other sector departments.”
MEC for Education, Mr. Fundile Gade, on Monday, 26 January 2026, led a delegation from the Department’s Senior Management Team to Ntabankulu Primary School and the homes of the bereaved families to convey heartfelt condolences and offer support.
Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, has also expressed his shock, sorrow and outrage at the tragic shooting incident and extended his deepest condolences to the families, colleagues, learners and the broader school community who have been traumatised by this horrific act of violence.
“This is a devastating loss of life in a space that should be a sanctuary of learning, safety and hope. Our hearts are with the families who are now left to carry unbearable grief. This tragedy raises painful but necessary questions about institutional accountability, the protection of whistle-blowers, the responsiveness of law enforcement, and the safeguarding of our schools. No child and no educator should ever feel unsafe in a school environment,” said Premier Mabuyane.
DA Shadow MEC for Education. Horatio Hendricks, has also raised concern following the incident, saying the incident is profoundly disturbing and has caused significant trauma to the school community and the surrounding area.
“Schools must always remain safe spaces dedicated to learning, care, and development. They can never be allowed to become sites of violence or criminal behaviour. While investigations are ongoing, this incident raises serious concerns about school safety, risk management, and response mechanisms within the education system. The safety of learners and educators is non-negotiable. This incident demands a decisive, coordinated response to prevent any recurrence and restore confidence in the safety of our schools,” said Hendricks.
The DA extended its condolences to the families of those affected and said it stands in solidarity with the school and the broader community during this difficult time.
- The three educators who were killed in a shooting at Ntabankulu Primary School last Thursday.
- An image showing frightened learners hiding during the shooting in an alleged cctv video which has been circulated on social media.
