Tembisa
1Min
South Africa
Nov 19, 2025
Two people were shot and killed inside Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa, prompting activists to call for urgent action to improve safety in Gauteng schools. Police have launched a murder investigation while education officials and residents express shock over rising violence in the area.
Education activists have renewed calls for safer learning environments across Gauteng after the killing of a school principal and an administrator at Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa. Gauteng police have opened a murder investigation following the shooting, which took place inside the school’s administration block late on Tuesday.
Education activist Hendrick Makaneta said the sector is devastated by the attack, describing it as a heartbreaking blow to the school community. He said the deaths of the 58 year old principal and the 55 year old administrator have left learners, staff and families traumatised.
Makaneta said the incident demonstrates the urgent need to address safety concerns in schools across the province. He said the two victims were committed educators who dedicated their lives to guiding learners.
He said their tragic end inside a school environment is unacceptable. He said the education community must honour their memory by intensifying efforts to make all schools safer. He said their lives were taken in a space meant to protect them and that should never happen again.
Police said the shooting happened at around 5pm. Preliminary reports indicate that the principal, the administrator and other staff members were preparing for a meeting. Colleagues in nearby offices reported hearing gunshots and hid until it was safe to come out. They later found the two women lying in a passage inside the administration block. Emergency services declared both deceased at the scene.
The Gauteng Department of Education said it is shocked by the incident. Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the school on Tuesday night to be briefed and to meet affected families. Chiloane conveyed his condolences and condemned the attack, saying schools must remain safe spaces for teaching and learning.
The department said psychosocial support teams will be deployed to provide counselling for learners and staff. Employee wellness officials will also assist affected colleagues.
Residents in Tembisa said the community is living in fear. Some said the suburb is experiencing rising levels of violent crime. One resident said they recently buried another school principal from Tshepisa Primary School who was also killed. She said nothing was taken from him and that Tembisa feels like a crime scene.
Police said investigations are continuing and no arrests have been made. They appealed for information that may assist in identifying the person responsible.
