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24 Nov 2010

The MEC for Education in KwaZulu-Natal, Senzo Mchunu has condemned in the strongest terms, the brutal murder of an educator of Somashi High School at Umsinga in the Umzinyathi District. The educator was shot several times in front of his living quarters within the school premises on Sunday evening.

This incident, which has left educators and learners in a state of shock and distress, comes just weeks after another principal was stoned to death, also at Muden at Umsinga. The principal whose body was found in an open field, had his shoes, cellphone and car stolen.

“This incident is of grave concern to us as the department because these are seemingly no longer isolated cases. In a space of three weeks, there have been three incidents where educators’ lives were put at risk by faceless thugs. We want to reiterate that culprits are always known to communities where they operate. We therefore, call on communities to come forward and expose these people so that they can be removed from society. We wish to warn communities to stop shielding thugs who prey on unarmed citizens,” MEC Senzo Mchunu said.

MEC Mchunu commended police for what he called sterling work done in investigating such cases.

“We further call on police to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible for these brutal murders are brought to book and that they face the full might of the law. Criminals should have no place in our society. Such heinous crimes cannot be tolerated. Communities must take a stand against crime and report it to the police. The only way we can build this country is if we take a decisive stance against wrong-doing, in whatever shape or form,” MEC Mchunu further said.

MEC Mchunu said even more disturbing was the fact that, the latest killing took place while some learners were in school premises, studying for their final exams. The department is currently struggling with teacher-shortage, particularly in rural areas such as Umsinga. Undoubtedly, this incident could worsen this dire situation, said Mchunu.

This is not the first time that a teacher was attacked at Somashi High School. In 1999, one teacher survived a shooting incident and again in 2008, learners attacked educators with stones during the night.

The Department of Education is providing counselling to affected educators and learners. Discussions are also underway to ensure that police provide security in and around the school premises.

For more information contact:
Muntu Lukhozi
Cell: 082 562 5965
E-mail: muntu.lukhozi@kzndoe.gov.za

Issued by: KwaZulu-Natal Education
24 Nov 2010

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