The attack on educators from Lusikisiki on May 11, 2022, has
left the MEC for Department of Education in the Eastern Cape, Fundile Gade in
total shock and disbelief.
According to the department’s spokesperson, Mali Mtima, an
unknown gunman attacked the educators while they were traveling from a Grade 12
revision camp that was held at the school on the evening.
“This led to the death of one educator. The deceased
was travelling with colleagues when the gunman opened fire on them when they
were approaching an area where the road had been affected by the recent heavy
rains, which necessitated reduction on the speed of the car,” Mtima said.
Mtima added that an attempt to escape the gunman led to a
chase that included a barrage of shots fired, with the educators managing to
get away from the assailant and rush the injured to St Elizabeth Hospital to
seek medical assistance.
“One of the educators who was injured badly had to be
transferred to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital where he finally succumbed to
death in the morning of May 12, 2022.”
He further confirmed that a case has been opened with the
SAPS, with psychosocial support been activated by the department for the
affected educators and learners. In addition, Mitima indicated Gade’s heartfelt
condolences to the family of the deceased, the school, the community especially
the educators and learners.
“Due to the horrific incident, he will visit the home and
school of the deceased tomorrow where he will be meeting them and updating on
the measures undertaken to ensure safety for all,” Mtima concluded.
