Previous attempt on life of teacher shot five times at school
She survived gunshot wound, lost two brothers’
The family of the KwaZuluNatal teacher who was murdered by gunmen in front of pupils and fellow teachers on Monday say there was a previous attempt on her life.
Dudu Khumalo, 46, a grade R teacher at Phikiswayo Primary in Ntuzuma, north of Durban, died after being shot five times as classes were about to start.
Her first cousin, Samke Simphiwe Khumalo, said in a social media post the teacher had survived a previous shooting incident. “I keep thinking how scared she must have been when she realised what was happening. I do not think she ever thought this would happen to her three years after she survived a gunshot wound and lost her two brothers,” she said in a Facebook post.
Khumalo said the cruel attack in front of minors showed a lack of humanity.
“She ran out of her class. She was shot five times in front of her learners and colleagues. Who does that? Where is your conscience or ubuntu bakho? Ngoba akekho umuntu ophilayo ongabulala umuntu kabuhlungu kanje phambi kwezingane ezincane [no sane person can kill another in such a cruel manner in front of small children].”
She said the family was “deeply hurting” and “scared” after the murder.
“As a family we feel like we are in a Final Destination movie. The only difference is her murder was premeditated and carefully planned. This is the worst part for us,” she said.
School principal Mthokozisi Mchunu said classes would resume yesterday and the department would provide psychological support to traumatised staff and pupils.
The EFF and DA in the province urged education MEC Sipho Hlomuka to ensure the safety of pupils and staff in government schools.
The EFF recognised school safety programmes such as “Hlayiseka” but said they were not implemented consistently. The DA said it would submit a written question to Hlomuka. –