A primary school in the Eastern Cape has temporarily closed after two educators were fatally shot during school hours on Thursday.  

The incident happened at Ntabankulu Primary at lunch time, when an assailant entered the school premises and then its staff room before opening fire.  

“[He] forcibly gained entry to the premises by cutting through the perimeter fence. The suspect proceeded directly to the school kitchen,” read the SAPS statement.  

The Eastern Cape Education Department confirmed that all the educators were at the school’s staff room.  

The man then shot three teachers: one of whom died on the scene, another teacher later died in the hospital, and a third teacher is wounded. All the victims were women. 

 The department said the gunman, who is a former teacher at the school, then turned the gun on himself.  

According to SAPS, the suspect allegedly breached his bail conditions. 

“[He] was out on bail for sexual assault charges involving learners.” 

The investigation docket includes two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and one inquest docket – as police try to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the suspect’s bail status. 

“A full investigation into the circumstances of the attack is underway, including the suspect’s breach of bail conditions,” read a SAPS statement on the matter.  

The Eastern Cape Education Department said that learners were dismissed after the incident and that the school would remain closed until next Monday. It further noted that psychosocial support is being provided.  

“As the sector, we send our condolences to the bereaved families. We will ensure that the Alfred Ndzo East Education district provides counselling and debriefing to the bereaved families and learners. We condemn the incident with the strongest terms it deserves,” said the department head, Sharon Maasdorp.