Gauteng Provincial Legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety chairperson Bandile Masuku has condemned the killing of two staff members at Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa, calling the attack a grave indication of rising gun violence in the province. His remarks come as Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza prepares to visit the school on Thursday following the fatal shooting.

Masuku said the murders of Principal Ruth Nozibele Tabu, aged fifty eight and administrative assistant Nobantu Njombini, aged fifty five inside the school premises illustrated the urgent need for intensified action against illegal firearms.

“This appalling act of violence committed in a space where children should feel safe and protected highlights the severe and escalating impact of gun violence in our communities. It is unacceptable that lives continue to be taken so violently leaving families devastated and entire communities traumatised. We urge strict compliance with gun control laws and call on law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to remove illegal firearms from communities,” said Masuku.

The committee said schools must remain secure environments for learners, educators and staff, and appealed to residents to assist police by providing any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects. It also conveyed condolences to the families of the two victims and to the broader school community.

The killings occurred on Tuesday afternoon when masked attackers entered the administration block after school hours and opened fire before fleeing. Gauteng police confirmed that a double murder investigation was underway and that no arrests had been made. Detectives were gathering statements, reviewing security footage, and following several leads.

A police source said investigators were probing the possibility that another staff member might have organised the attack. The source cautioned that this claim remained unverified and formed only one part of a wider inquiry. Provincial police said they could not comment on speculation and urged the public to focus on assisting investigators.

As the community continued to reel from the shooting, the City of Ekurhuleni announced that Mayor Xhakaza would lead a high-level delegation to the school on Thursday. The mayor will be joined by the Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Safety, Sizakele Masuku and the Acting Chief of Police, Brigadier Ockert Bezuidenhout.

According to the City, the visit is intended to provide support to the school leadership to assess immediate safety needs, and outline the coordinated response between the City, law enforcement and education authorities. The City said it was working with all stakeholders to understand how the attack unfolded and what measures were required to ensure safety for learners and staff.

Education officials said trauma support teams had been deployed to the school to assist learners, teachers and workers who had been affected by the incident. They said schooling activities would continue with strengthened security and ongoing monitoring.

Parents who gathered at the school on Wednesday expressed shock and concern about the safety of their children. Some said they hoped the mayor’s visit would bring practical measures, while others urged police to act swiftly.

The City said further information about the mayor’s programme would be shared once finalised. Gauteng police said updates would follow as the investigation into the killings progressed.