CAPE TOWN - A Grade 6 Heinz Park Primary School teacher in Philippi, Cape Town was shot and killed inside his vehicle on Tuesday morning.
The teacher had just parked inside the school premises at about 7.45am and was still sitting in his vehicle when he was shot dead allegedly by two suspects who fled the scene.
Police spokesperson Andrè Traut said circumstances leading to the teacher's death were being investigated.
No arrests have been made yet.
Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said: “A 53-year-old educator was shot dead (allegedly two males approached the car) after parking his car in the school parking lot before the school day began. He is a Grade 6 mathematics educator and has been teaching at the school since 2008,” said Hammond.
She said counselling support has been arranged for pupils and teachers at the school.
MEC Debbie Schäfer said she was shocked to hear of the shooting.
“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. We do not have more details at this stage, but it is vital that SAPS do everything in their power to find and arrest the perpetrator/s as soon as possible.
“It is unacceptable that our teachers, who are providing one of the most vital services for our country, cannot be safe at work,” said Schäfer.
Anyone with information about the incident can anonymously contact Crime Stop at 0860010111 or SMS Crime Line at 32211.
Cape Times