KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli has condemned the fatal shooting of KwaNdengezi High School learner Sphephelo Ngubane, who was shot on the school premises on Monday, 14 September.
Preliminary information from the South African Police Service (SAPS) indicates that the 19-year-old sustained multiple gunshot wounds and succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Premier Ntuli expressed his shock and outrage over the killing and directed law-enforcement authorities to use all available resources to identify and apprehend the suspect.
Ntuli described the incident as a “deeply tragic, disturbing and unacceptable act of violence”.
“A school is a place where our children must be protected, nurtured and given the opportunity to build their futures. It cannot become a place where a young life is violently taken,” Ntuli said.
“As government, we cannot and will not accept the normalisation of violence in our communities or allow our schools to become unsafe spaces. This incident demands a decisive response, and I have instructed our law-enforcement authorities to act with urgency and leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrator to justice,” he added.
The Premier has also directed the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, law-enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders to urgently assess and strengthen security measures at KwaNdengezi High School through the School Safety Programme.
The intervention will include an assessment of the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the school’s existing safety measures, with appropriate corrective measures to be implemented.
“We have a responsibility to our learners, educators and school communities. We must do everything within our power to ensure that our schools provide safe and secure environments conducive to teaching and learning. We will not wait for another tragedy before we act,” Ntuli said.
Ntuli has also appealed to members of the community to assist police by providing credible information that could help with the investigation and lead to the arrest of the suspect.
“I appeal to anyone who may have information about this terrible incident to come forward and assist the authorities. Silence must not shield those who perpetrate violence. We owe it to Sphephelo, his family and the entire school community to ensure that justice is served,” he said.
The Premier conveyed his condolences to the Ngubane family, as well as Sphephelo’s friends, fellow learners, teachers and the wider KwaNdengezi High School community.
“Our hearts go out to Sphephelo’s family at this devastating time. No parent should have to endure the unbearable pain of losing a child in such circumstances. We stand with the family and the school community in mourning this precious young life, and we extend our support to all those who are struggling to come to terms with this tragedy.”
