Rustenburg law enforcement officials cordoned off the entrance to Rutanang Primary school after a female teacher was murdered on Tuesday morning.
PLEASE NOTE: This article has been updated with a statement from North West police – Tuesday 31 May 2022
Latest updates on Rutanang Primary school shooting
Details around the incident were still sketchy at the time this article was published. However, from what we understand, an unidentified woman, said to be an educator at the primary school, was targeted by an unknown group of suspects at the entrance, shortly before 07:00.
By the time authorities arrived at the school grounds, the female teacher was dead.
News of the Rutanang Primary school shooting was confirmed by Rustenburg municipality ward councillor King Luan Snyders.
“A teacher has allegedly been shot at Rutanang Primary School in Rustenburg. SAPS and Paramedics are on scene no further detail. We shall await a statement from the Department and South African Police Services, Snyders wrote in a statement.
Breaking: a Female teacher who was shot this morning at Rutanang Primary school has passed away in Rustenburg. Details of what happened is still scratchy. I would like to pass my deepest and sincere condolences to the family, friends and Department of Education. @pule_jones
— King Luan Snyders (@KingLuanSnyders) May 31, 2022
North West police spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone confirmed the incident in a statement.
“According to information received, the teacher was in her Toyota Fortuner vehicle in front of the school gate when the suspects approached and shot her at close range. The suspects who did not take anything from the car, walked away from the scene on foot.
Subsequent to summoning of the police and paramedics, the teacher was declared dead at the scene. The motive of the incident is yet to be determined. Investigation into the matter continues and no arrest has been effected at this stage,” the statement read.
Moreover, Provincial CommissionerLieutenant General Sello Kwena has initiated a 72-hour activation plan where all law enforcement resources will be mobilised in an effort to locate the suspects involved in the shooting of the 45-year-old woman.
“Lieutenant General Kwena expressed his shock over the callous act of Gender Based Violence (GBV). He urged members of the community to work together with the police to ensure that the suspects are brought to book,” the police noted.