Inxiweni school tragedy: NPA names people accused of killing principal and clerk in Tembisa
Two people were arrested for the brutal murder of principal Ruth Nozibele Tabu and administrative clerk Nobantu Njombini who were shot dead in Tembisa last week.
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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has released the names of the two people arrested in connection with the murders of school principal Ruth Nozibele Tabu, 58, and administrative clerk Nobantu Njombini, 55, who were shot dead inside Inxiweni Primary School’s administration block last week.
Gauteng NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane told journalists that Mokgadi Hope Shongwe, 26, and her co-accused, Tuki Benjamin Maditsi, 35, face murder charges in the Tembisa Magistrate’s Court following the killings.
Mjonondwane said the State was not yet ready to proceed with the pair’s bail application.
“We have mentioned in court that the investigating officer tried in vain to verify the address of Ms Hope Shongwe, so that is still outstanding, including the profiling of both accused.
“Both remain in custody until 1 December, when they will be back in court for a date to be set for their bail hearing. For now, we are going to conclude our investigations in respect of the bail applications that must be heard by the court,” she said.
Last week, IOL reported that a 26-year-old employee at Inxiweni Primary School had been arrested for the double murder. Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the suspect was arrested on Wednesday evening. On Friday, Nevhuhulwi said a second suspect, Maditsi, had also been arrested.
The arrests follow a deadly attack that shocked the Tembisa community and prompted a visit from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane.
On Wednesday, IOL reported that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) had expressed deep shock and sadness after the shooting at Inxiweni Primary School, in which the principal and administrative clerk were killed inside the administration block.
According to the department, the incident happened at around 5pm while the principal, an administrator and other staff members were preparing for a meeting scheduled for later in the week.
“It is alleged that colleagues who were in a nearby office suddenly overheard gunshots. Fearing for their safety, they hid until it seemed safe to come out. When they did, they reportedly found the principal and the administrator lying in the passage of the admin block,” said GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona.
Emergency services were called to the scene but both victims were declared dead on arrival. Police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Lesufi and Chiloane visited the school later that evening to assess the scene and offer support to the bereaved families.
“They met with both families to convey condolences and to express support during this difficult time,” Mabona said at the time.
The department confirmed that psychosocial support teams, including officials from the Ekurhuleni North District, would be dispatched to the school to provide counselling and trauma support to learners and staff. Employee wellness officials will also visit to offer assistance to affected employees.
IOL News