Two women were shot dead inside Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa on Tuesday, 18 November 2025, in a violent incident that has shocked the community.
The victims were the school’s 58-year-old principal and a 55-year-old administrative staff member. The shooting occurred at about 5pm while they were preparing for an upcoming staff meeting.
According to the Gauteng Department of Education, staff members in a nearby office heard the gunshots and hid. After the gunfire stopped, they found the two women lying in the passage of the administration block. Emergency services were called, but both victims were declared dead at the scene.
The motive for the attack remains unknown, and police have launched a full investigation. No arrests have been made.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the school later that evening to assess the situation and meet with the families of the victims.
Chiloane described the incident as “a senseless and brutal act committed within a school, a place meant to be a sanctuary for teaching and learning,” and expressed condolences to the affected families.
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said trauma counselling teams from the Ekurhuleni North District will be deployed to support staff and learners. Employee wellness teams will also provide assistance.
The Gauteng Department of Education urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
