Inxiweni Primary School Employee Arrested in Connection with Principal and Clerk Murders
Tembisa, South Africa – A 26-year-old female employee of Inxiweni Primary School has been apprehended in connection with the fatal shootings of the school's principal, Ruth Nozibele Tabu (58), and administrative clerk, Nobantu Njombini (55). The two women were found dead inside the school's administration block on Tuesday evening, prompting a swift police investigation and an outpouring of grief.
The Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, confirmed the arrest, stating that the suspect was taken into custody on Wednesday evening.
"On the evening of 19 November 2025, the police arrested a 26-year-old woman in connection to the murder of the school principal and one admin clerk. The suspect, who is also an employee at the school, is expected to appear before the Tembisa Magistrate's Court on (Friday) 21 November 2025, facing a murder charge," said Nevhuhulwi.
The tragic incident occurred at approximately 5 pm on Tuesday, as the principal, administrator, and other staff members were preparing for a meeting scheduled for later in the week. According to the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), colleagues working in a nearby office reported hearing gunshots.
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona detailed the harrowing scene: “It is alleged that the colleagues who were in a nearby office suddenly overheard gunshots. Fearing for their safety, they hid until it seemed safe to come out. When they did, they reportedly found the principal and the administrator lying in the passage of the admin block.”
Emergency services were immediately summoned to the school. However, upon arrival, both Tabu and Njombini were declared dead at the scene.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) had earlier expressed profound shock and sadness following the shooting. The incident prompted a visit from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC (Member of the Executive Council) Matome Chiloane, who arrived at the school to assess the situation and offer support to the grieving families.
Mabona stated that Lesufi and Chiloane "met with both families to convey condolences and to express support during this difficult time."
In response to the tragedy, the GDE has dispatched psychosocial support teams to Inxiweni Primary School. These teams, including officials from the Ekurhuleni North District, are providing counselling and trauma support to both learners and staff. Additionally, employee wellness officials are on-site to offer assistance to affected employees.
Education MEC Matome Chiloane reacted to the tragedy by condemning the act as a "senseless and brutal act committed within a school — a place meant to be a sanctuary for teaching and learning.”
Chiloane added, “Our thoughts and deepest condolences go to the families of the principal and the staff member whose lives were tragically cut short. We urge law enforcement authorities to move with speed to bring the perpetrator to justice.”
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing, as authorities work to piece together the events that led to the deaths of the two educators. The arrest of the 26-year-old employee marks a significant development in the case, but many questions remain as the community grapples with this devastating loss. The suspect is scheduled to appear in the Tembisa Magistrate's Court on Friday, where she will face murder charges.
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