Inxiweni Primary School
1Min
South Africa
Nov 21, 2025
A twenty six year old employee of Inxiweni Primary School has been arrested and is expected to appear in the Tembisa Magistrates Court on Friday in connection with the murders of Principal Ruth Nozibele Tabu and administrative clerk Nobantu Njombini.
A 26-year-old woman is expected to appear in the Tembisa Magistrates Court on Friday in connection with the murders of Principal Ruth Nozibele Tabu who was 58 and administrative clerk Nobantu Njombini who was 55.
The two women were shot and killed inside the premises of Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa, an incident that sent shock across the province and prompted calls from civil society, political parties and government for stronger safety measures in schools.
Gauteng Provincial police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the arrest and said the suspect is an employee at the school. “She was taken into custody on the evening of 19 November 2025 and is facing two counts of murder,” said Nevhuhulwi.
On Tuesday at approximately 16:15, the police received a complaint of a double murder at the primary school. Upon arrival they found the two bodies lying on the ground with gunshot wounds. Police said the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.
Preliminary information indicates that masked suspects entered the administration block after school hours and opened fire before fleeing. South African Daily reported on Thursday that a source close to the investigation claimed another staff member might have been involved in planning the attack. The confirmation of the arrest is in line with allegations reported earlier by the publication.
Following the attack, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety condemned the incident and described it as a horrific act committed in a space meant for the learning development and safety of children.
Committee Chairperson Bandile Masuku said the killings highlight the severe effect of gun violence in Gauteng. Masuku said educators learners and support staff should not fear for their safety while carrying out their duties and called for stronger action to protect schools across the province.
A second suspect has been arrested in connection to the double murder. “The 35-year-old man was arrested in the early hours of Friday morning and is expected to appear before Tembisa Magistrates' court on Monday, 24 November 2025,” Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed on Friday.
Police said the suspect is facing a charge of murder with two counts.
