A 26-year-old female school employee has been apprehended by Gauteng police in connection with the shocking double murder of Inxiweni Primary School's principal and administrative clerk, sending shockwaves through the Tembisa community.
The Deadly Attack That Shook a School
The brutal incident occurred on Tuesday evening, November 18, 2025, inside the school's administration block at Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa, Gauteng. According to Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona, the tragedy unfolded around 5 PM while 58-year-old principal Ruth Nozibele Tabu and 55-year-old administrative clerk Nobantu Njombini were preparing for a meeting scheduled 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," Mabona revealed.
Financial Dispute Triggers Deadly Response
Preliminary police investigations point to a financial dispute as the possible motive behind the heinous crime. The suspect allegedly hired hitmen after being questioned about a R52,750 transaction that was mysteriously transferred from the school's account into her personal bank account.
Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the dramatic arrest, stating: "On the evening of 19 November 2025, the police arrested a 26-year-old woman in connection to the murder of the school principal and one admin clerk. The suspect, who is also an employee at the school, is expected to appear before the Tembisa Magistrate's Court on (Friday) 21 November 2025, facing a murder charge."
Community Response and Support Measures
The deadly attack prompted immediate response from top government officials, with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane visiting the school to assess the scene and offer support to the grieving families.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, but both victims were declared dead upon arrival. The Gauteng Department of Education has expressed deep shock and sadness following the incident, arranging for psychosocial support teams from the Ekurhuleni North District to provide counseling and trauma support to learners and staff affected by the tragedy.
Reacting to the brutal killing, Education MEC Matome Chiloane described the shooting as a "senseless and brutal act committed within a school — a place meant to be a sanctuary for teaching and learning." He added: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences go to the families of the principal and the staff member whose lives were tragically cut short. We urge law enforcement authorities to move with speed to bring the perpetrator to justice."
Employee wellness officials have also been deployed to assist affected staff members as the Tembisa community grapples with this devastating loss within their educational institution.
