The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has reported that one of its male officials has been shot and injured by an unidentified assailant. This happened at the Chris Hani Road and Golden Highway intersection near Southgate Mall in Johannesburg.
This is the second time this week that an official from the education sector gets attacked. Earlier on, there was an assault incident in KwaZulu-Natal where Shakeel Isseri was ambushed by an armed group of people in Mzwamandla High School at the Umlazi District.
Isseri was monitoring the 2023 National Senior Certificate Exams when the incident happened and this caused him severe injuries and trauma.
Steve Mabona, the spokesperson for the GDE, said that the official who was shot while in his car yesterday, is responsible for learning and teaching support material. He has confirmed that the victim has survived and is currently in a stable condition and receiving medical attention at a local facility.
“While the motive is unknown, it is worrisome that an official can be targeted and shot at in that manner. We wish to call upon law enforcement agencies to bring the perpetrators to book. Anyone who might have information regarding this incident is encouraged to share the same with the police. We wish our employee a speedy recovery,” Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane said.
Mabona was asked whether the police have had any leads so far and he reported there have been none.
The department has also extended its heartfelt wishes for the speedy recovery of the official and has assured the family that they will provide the necessary support during this challenging time.