26-year-old female employee arrested for m8rder of principal and administrative clerk at primary school in South Africa

A 26-year-old female employee has been arrested in connection with the m8rder of the school principal Ruth Nozibele Tabu, 58, and administrative clerk Nobantu Njombini, 55, at Inxiweni Primary School in Tembisa, Gauteng, South Africa.

The victims were shot d3ad inside the school’s administration block on Tuesday evening, November 18, 2025.

According to preliminary reports, the suspect allegedly hired hitmen after she was questioned about a R52,750 transaction that was transferred from the school’s account into her personal account.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that the suspect was arrested on the evening of Wednesday.

“On the evening of 19 November 2025, the police arrested a 26-year-old woman in connection to the m8rder 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 arrest follows the d3adly attack that shocked the Tembisa community and prompted a visit from Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Education MEC Matome Chiloane.

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has expressed deep shock and sadness following the incident.

According to the department, the incident happened at around 5 pm while the 58-year-old principal, a 55-year-old administrator, and other staff members were preparing for a meeting scheduled to take place later in the week.

“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,” said GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona.

Emergency services were called to the scene and responded swiftly, but both victims were declared d3ad upon arrival.

Police have since launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Lesufi and Chiloane visited the school later in the evening to assess the scene and offer support to the bereaved families.

“They met with both families to convey condolences and to express support during this difficult time,” Mabona said at the time.

The department confirmed that psychosocial support teams, including officials from the Ekurhuleni North District, would be dispatched to the school on Wednesday to provide counselling and trauma support to learners and staff. Employee wellness officials will also visit to offer assistance to affected employees

Reacting to the tragedy, Chiloane described the shooting as a “senseless and brutal act committed within a school — a place meant to be a sanctuary for teaching and learning.”

“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,” he said.