Ntabankulu Mayor Visits Gcaba Family After Tragic School Shooting

Tragic Incident at Ntabankulu SPS

NTABANKULU, Eastern Cape — The Mayor of Ntabankulu Local Municipality, Cllr Tsileng Sobuthongo, has paid a condolence visit to the Gcaba family at Ndakeni village following the tragic shooting at Ntabankulu SPS.

The incident claimed the lives of three teachers at the school. Among the deceased was Mr Gcaba, who was an educator at the institution. The tragedy has left the school community and surrounding areas in deep mourning.

Family Also Victims of the Tragedy

During the visit, Mayor Sobuthongo emphasised that the Gcaba family are also victims of the incident, noting that they did not choose to be placed in a position of grief and public scrutiny.

She acknowledged that the family, like the broader community, wishes that the matter could have been handled differently by all parties involved.

Mayor Calls for Compassion and Stability

Addressing the grieving family, the Mayor highlighted the responsibility of leadership and society to provide comfort and help stabilise the situation during a painful and emotional period.

“No matter what the circumstances were, the family of Mr Gcaba did not choose to be in this place today and be called mourners. This family also wishes that the matter could have been handled better by all parties involved, including their loved one. It is our responsibility to comfort those that are grieving and ensure that the situation is stabilised,” said Mayor Sobuthongo.

Support for Affected Communities

The municipality said the visit forms part of ongoing efforts to support affected families, educators, and learners following the tragedy. Community leaders have continued to call for calm, unity, and responsible engagement as Ntabankulu begins the difficult process of healing after the loss of three educators.