Armed attack claims life of deputy principal in Stellenbosch

Tragedy unfolded inside the premises of Kayamandi Primary School in Stellenbosch when an armed gunman entered the school and shot the deputy principal dead.

The incident took place on Friday afternoon around 1.10pm after school had been dismissed for the learners for the day when the armed individual entered the school in what is believed to be a targeted attack and fatally wounded the 54-year-old deputy principal while he was sitting under a tree.

The gunman fled the scene and is yet to be arrested.

Spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department, Bronagh Hammond said they condemn the fatal shooting of the deputy principal and are offering counselling support to the school staff who have been left traumatised by the ordeal.

Hammond explains, “The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is deeply shocked and saddened by the fatal shooting of a deputy principal in what appears to have been a targeted attack on Friday afternoon.”

“According to initial reports, an armed individual entered the school premises after learners had been dismissed for the day and approached the victim, who was seated under a tree.

Counselling and trauma support teams have been dispatched to the school to assist staff members, who are understandably devastated by this senseless act of violence.”

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and the entire school community during this difficult time. This is a tragic and deeply disturbing incident, and we urge law enforcement to ensure that the perpetrator is swiftly brought to justice," said Hammond.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that a murder case is under investigation.

Twigg reports, “Stellenbosch police registered a murder case for investigation following a shooting incident on Friday afternoon, November 21, at about 13:10, at a primary school, in Winnie Mandela Drive, Kayamandi, where a 54-year-old male was shot and fatally wounded.”

“Police members attended to the crime scene where they found the victim with a gunshot wound to his body. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by medical personnel. The motive for the attack forms part of the police investigation and no arrests have been made yet.”

Police are appealing to anyone with any information about this shooting incident to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or use the mobile application MySAPS anonymously.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus