Teacher shot dead in front of pupils
Man believed to be her husband turns gun on himself after killing her
A Mpumalanga teacher was gunned down by her husband while teaching her Grade 2 pupils yesterday morning.
The man later turned the gun on himself. “The teacher was in class, teaching at the time of the incident,” said provincial department of education spokesman Jasper Zwane.
Zwane said teachers and pupils were currently receiving psychological counselling.
Kate Chiloane, 30, was shot and killed at about 8am at Sediba-Sa-Thuto Primary School near Bushbuckridge.
Colonel Mtsholi Bhembe said: “A 40-year-old man, believed to be the husband of a 30-year-old female teacher, shot and killed her in the schoolyard. According to information at police disposal, however, the teacher was on her way to the classroom when she was accosted by the suspect.”
He said the man was later found with a bullet wound in the head at his home.
Bhembe said two dockets, one for murder and an inquest, were opened.
“The department is currently monitoring the situation at the school and has also deployed officials from the wellness section to render counselling services to the learners‚ educators and some family members who were affected.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic [incident] and hereby send our condolences to the family of the deceased and those affected by her passing,” said education MEC Reginah Mhaule in a statement.
Chiloane had been with the school for a year.
She had taken to Facebook at 8.20pm the previous day and posted a picture bearing the words: “Accept your past without regret. Handle your present with confidence. And face your future without fear.”
Friends commented on the post after learning of her death. Thabiso Mgi Given Sibiya wrote: “[It] is [as] if [she] knew wht [wa]s gng to happen ... May ur perfect soul rest in peace.”
Tebogo Thamaga said: “I feel like am dreaming ... May her precious soul rest in peace ... heaven is blessed with your soul ...”