Among the six people shot dead by gunmen in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal, are a schoolteacher and her two children.
This was confirmed by the department of education in KwaZulu-Natal in a statement issued on Wednesday.
The 37-year-old teacher and her teenage daughters were killed in Entshele, Ezakheni. This happened when gunmen opened fire on the bakkie they were travelling in on Monday night.
Six people declared dead at the scene
Six people were declared dead on the scene and five others were taken to the hospital. Only one person survived the attack unharmed.
The woman was a teacher at Ngcede Primary School, and her teenage daughters were pupils at Limehill High School.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for education, Sipho Hlomuka sent his condolences to the teacher’s family.
In the statement, Hlomuka described the teacher as dedicated.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families affected by this senseless violence. We stand in solidarity with them during this difficult time. May their souls rest in peace,” Hlomuka said in the statement.
According to a statement released by the police, 12 people were travelling in a bakkie on Helpmekaar Road. Another vehicle approached them, and its occupants opened fire at the bakkie, police said.
Five injured, one survivor unharmed
In addition to the teacher and her children, another teen girl, and five-year-old and two-year-old girls were declared dead at the scene.
“Two men and three more women survived the shooting with injuries and were rushed to the hospital. A 21-year-old woman escaped the shooting unharmed,” said KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda in a statement.
“The motive of the killing has not yet been established. And police are appealing to anyone who might have information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects. [They are urged] to contact the nearest police station or call the crime stop number 08600 10111,” he said.
KwaZulu-Natal police said they have activated the 72-hour mobilisation of maximum resources in search of the suspects.
