The Mpumalanga department of education says that teachers and pupils at Sedibasathuto Primary School in Bushbuckridge are receiving counselling following the shooting of teacher Kate Chiloane.
Chiloane (30) was shot and killed on Monday morning in full view of her Grade 2 pupils by Vusi Mdluli, who was reportedly her husband.
Mdluli later apparently committed suicide at home.
The department’s spokesperson, Jasper Zwane, said they were very disturbed by the incident and would be offering support to the school while monitoring the situation.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic accident and hereby send our condolences to the family of the deceased and those affected by her passing.
“We have deployed officials from the wellness section to provide counselling services to the pupils, educators and some family members.
“We will continue to offer our support until such time we will be convinced that both the learners and teachers have come to terms with what happened,” Zwane said.
Police spokesperson Colonel Motsholi Bhembe said Mdluli approached the principal for permission to speak to his wife when school was about to begin.
The principal granted him permission after initially refusing.
Mdluli approached Chiloane and fired one shot at her, he said.
“The 30-year-old woman ran for her life, but the man fired two more shots, killing her,” Bhembe said. Mdluli reportedly fled the scene.
It is reported that Chiloane had just moved back to live with her family after separating with her husband and was in the process of getting divorced.