GAUTENG MEC FOR EDUCATION LEBOGANG MAILE CONDEMNS THE FATAL SHOOTING OF A MICHAEL ZULU PRIMARY SCHOOL EDUCATOR

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BRAKPAN - The Gauteng MEC for Education, Mr Lebogang Maile, has expressed profound shock and sadness following the fatal shooting of a 29-year-old educator from Michael Zulu Primary School in Tsakane, who was gunned down at approximately 07:00 this morning while on his way to school.

According to preliminary information, the educator 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, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened an investigation.

On behalf of the Gauteng Provincial Government, MEC Maile extends his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, his colleagues, learners and the entire 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 Gauteng Department of Education immediately activated its psychosocial support interventions. The District Integrated School Support Team was deployed to provide trauma debriefing to affected learners, while the Circuit Team, the Integrated School Support Programme (ISSP) and Safe Schools Management met with educators and staff to provide support and outline the Department’s response. Further psychosocial support has been arranged through the PMD Unit, while the Department is also working closely with the educator’s family to ensure they receive the necessary counselling and support.

This tragic incident is a painful reminder that the fight against crime cannot be left to law enforcement agencies alone. It requires a united societal response. Through our “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child” community outreach campaign, the Gauteng Department of Education continues to mobilise parents, communities, faith-based organisations, traditional leaders, community policing forums, civil society and all spheres of government to work together to combat criminality, protect learners and educators, and create safer environments in and around our schools.

Safe schools can only exist in safe communities. We therefore call on all residents to reject criminality, cooperate with law enforcement authorities, report those responsible for violent crime and play an active role in safeguarding our schools and neighbourhoods. An attack on an educator is an attack on the future of our children and on the values that bind our communities together.

The MEC has urged anyone with information that may assist the investigation to cooperate fully with SAPS so that those responsible are brought to justice. The Department will continue to support the school community during this difficult period and remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that every learner and every educator can learn and work in an environment that is safe, secure and conducive to quality education.

*Ends*


*For media enquiries, please email the Gauteng Department of Education at GDEMedia@gauteng.gov.za*

*For more information, contact the MEC’s Spokesperson, Onwabile Lubhelwana, on 071 531 4513 or on Onwabile.Lubhelwana@gauteng.gov.za*


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