Ntabankulu Primary School shooting
| Ntabankulu Primary School shooting | |
|---|---|
| Location | Ntabankulu Primary School, Ntabankulu, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Date | January 22, 2026 c.12:00 p.m. (SAST) |
| Target | Staff |
Attack type | School shooting, mass shooting, murder–suicide |
| Deaths | 3 (including the perpetrator) |
| Injured | 1 |
| Motive | Under investigation |
On January 22, 2026, a school shooting occurred at the Ntabankulu Primary School in Ntabankulu, Eastern Cape, South Africa, killing two teachers and critically injuring another. The perpetrator killed himself.
Background
[edit]School shootings are rare in South Africa, with only five being reported since 1994, which resulted in eight deaths in total.[1] Most school shootings in the country are gang-related.[2]
Shooting
[edit]Around midday, the shooter broke into the school by cutting through the perimeter fence. He then proceeded to enter a staff meeting in the cafeteria and open fire, killing two female teachers and critically injuring another, before killing himself.[3][4][5]
Perpetrator
[edit]The perpetrator was a former teacher at the school who was fired in 2023 following sexual assault charges and was out on bail at the time.[4][5]
Investigation
[edit]South African Police Service confirmed that the case is being investigated under two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and an inquest docket relating to the suspect's death. The investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the attack is ongoing. Police cordoned off the school as forensic experts processed the crime scene.[4][6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "School Shootings by Country 2026". World Population Review. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
- ^ "Gang Violence Affects Many Schools In South Africa". www.careersportal.co.za. April 30, 2023. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
- ^ "Teacher shot dead, two injured by former colleague at primary school in Qonce township". Port Elizabeth Express. January 22, 2026. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
- ^ a b c "UPDATE Fatal shooting at Eastern Cape school leaves two teachers dead". Independent Online. January 22, 2026. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
- ^ a b "Gunman kills teacher, wounds 2 others in Eastern Cape school shooting". SABC News. January 22, 2026. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
- ^ "Ex-teacher opens fire at Eastern Cape school, dies on scene". Independent Online. January 22, 2026. Retrieved January 22, 2026.
- 2026 mass shootings
- Mass shootings in South Africa
- School shootings in Africa
- History of Eastern Cape
- 2026 in South Africa
- Attacks on buildings and structures in South Africa
- Deaths by firearm in South Africa
- Workplace shootings
- January 2026 crimes
- Murder in South Africa
- Violence against women in South Africa
- January 2026 in South Africa