Teacher 'behind' deadly Eastern Cape primary school shooting was out on bail

THE Eastern Cape teacher who allegedly shot and killed two of his colleagues before turning the gun on himself was dismissed from the school following sexual assault charges and was out on bail at the time of the shooting.

This was disclosed by Eastern Cape police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, on Thursday after three Ntabankulu Primary School female teachers were shot during the attack. One died at the scene, the second was declared dead after being taken to hospital, while the third remains in a critical condition in hospital.

The incident occurred at about 12pm when the former teacher allegedly forced his way onto the premises by cutting through the perimeter fence.

Gantana said the suspect, a male former teacher at the school, died at the scene after turning the firearm on himself.

SAPS confirmed that the case is being investigated under two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, and an inquest docket relating to the suspect’s death.

Acting provincial police commissioner of the Eastern Cape, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso, condemned the attack and extended condolences to those affected.

“Our thoughts are also with the injured victims, and we wish them a full recovery. We condemn this violent act in the strongest terms,” she said.

Cape Times