Statement by Horatio Hendricks MPL – DA Shadow MEC for Education:
The Democratic Alliance expresses its deep concern at the tragic and senseless violence that has occurred at Ntanbankulu Junior Secondary School.
It is alleged that a former educator opened fire on the school premises, resulting in the death of at least one educator and leaving two others seriously injured. He is then reported to have turned the firearm on himself.
This 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.
The Democratic Alliance has written to the Eastern Cape MEC for Education, MEC Fundile Gade, to urgently intervene by initiating an immediate safety audit at Ntanbankulu Junior Secondary School, ensuring the rapid deployment of psychosocial support services, and providing urgent assurances that existing security protocols are properly enforced without delay.
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.
The DA extends its condolences to the families of those affected and stands in solidarity with the school and the broader community during this difficult time. No school should ever have to endure such trauma, and no response from the government should be slow or inadequate when the lives and well-being of children and educators are at risk.
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