Beloved school principal killed in alleged hit
Private security companies respond first in an emergency
NHLANHLA Mhlongo was more than just the school principal of Mpumelelweni Primary in Ngonyameni, an area just outside uMlazi.
He was described as a leader who went beyond the call of duty to empower his pupils and community.
But he was also a taxi boss and the treasurer of the Ndwedwe and District Taxi Association.
Two sources, independent of each other, said they believed his death was related to his involvement in the taxi industry.
Mhlongo, 51, was killed on Wednesday just 3km from the school he had just left. Twenty bullets were fired at his car.
Teachers and pupils, still shocked by his death, said he was a principled man who had left an indelible mark on the school.
He joined Mpumelelweni Primary six years ago at a time when it had two mobile classrooms.
Mhlongo was the only male of the eight teachers at the school. He made sure the school was in good condition and pupils never went hungry.
His colleague Nompumelelo Nzama said: “Mhlongo understood our attitudes, he was able to notice if one of us was not in a good mood, he was very supportive.
“As female teachers, we relied on him for help when our cars gave us problems, he was always available to help. It’s like we have lost a brother. He also had a big heart for kids,” said Nzama.
A Grade 7 pupil, Phumlani Mbambo, said the principal had loved soccer and encouraged him to participate in sport.
“He used to call me by the nickname ‘short division’, I liked him. He bought me a full school uniform and soccer kit,” said Mbambo.
This was confirmed by Mduduzi Mbambo, a member of the school governing body.
“He contributed so much to the lives of our kids. He used his own money to ensure that every child was in full school uniform. His dream was to have a proper school built as we have mobile classrooms. His death is a huge loss to the community,” Mbambo said.
Mhlongo owned three taxis which operated under the Ndwedwe and District Taxi Association, which travels between Durban and Ndwedwe.
Mzikayise Mhlongo, spokesman for the association, said he could not confirm or deny that Mhlongo’s killing was related to taxi violence.
He said there were disagreements with other taxi associations in Ndwedwe regarding routes. The police said no arrests had been made.
Mhlongo leaves his wife, Brenda, and their four children, Mlungisi, Mncedisi, Asanda and Melusi.
Family spokesman Mzomuhle Mhlongo said the family was grateful for the support they had received. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday at Ngonyameni Community Hall. He will be buried on Saturday at Lalakahle Cemetery in Botha’s Hill.