Ntabankulu police in the Eastern Cape have confirmed that two female educators were shot dead and a third critically wounded on Thursday, January 22, 2026.
Reports have indicated that a disgraced former male deputy principal at Ntabankulu Primary School barged into the school, opened fire at and turned the firearm on himself after being suspended.
One teacher died at the scene, the other passed away in hospital and the third one was admitted to Ntabankulu Health Centre in a critical condition.
Reports also indicate that the perpetrator was out on bail for charges of sexual assault. He was supposed to appear in court on January 26.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in a statement said, “Ntabankulu SAPS confirms that one of the teachers who was injured in the attack has succumbed to her injuries in hospital. This brings the total number of deceased educators to two. The remaining injured teacher is in a critical condition in hospital. All three victims were female educators. The investigation is now being conducted under the following case classifications: Two counts of murder. One count of attempted murder. One inquest docket. The investigation into the full circumstances of the attack continues.”
In their initial statement police revealed, investigations of a fatal shooting that occurred earlier on22 January 2026 at Ntabankulu Primary School were underway.
“It is alleged that at approximately 12:00, a former teacher of the school, who was out on bail for sexual assault charges involving learners, forcibly gained entry to the premises by cutting through the perimeter fence. The suspect proceeded directly to the school kitchen, where he opened fire on three educators. Following this, the suspect shot and killed himself,” SAPS said.
“One educator was declared deceased at the scene. Two other educators sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment. The suspect was also declared deceased at the scene. A full investigation into the circumstances of the attack is underway, including the suspect’s breach of bail conditions. The scene has been cordoned off for processing by forensic experts.”
Bongi Sikelo 