Teachers’ union Sadtu in KwaZulu-Natal is calling for a thorough investigation into the murder of a school principal. Sipho Nkosi was killed in a drive-by shooting at the N3 off-ramp to the Durban suburb of Sherwood, last week.
He was the principal of the Bright Future Special School. Nkosi was also a pastor and previously served as secretary of Sadtu’s Umngeni branch.
“This one as a teacher has been a person who committed all his life to the transformation of education. As the leader of the union in Umngeni branch but also an activist, ensuring that he advances the transformation and development of special schools. We do not know the motive behind his killing. We are calling the law enforcement agencies to the investigation and make arrests,” says Sadtu’s Provincial Secretary Nomarashiya Caluza.
Police say 49-year-old Nkosi was travelling on the N3 in Sherwood when he was attacked by unknown gunmen who opened fire on his vehicle. Nkosi sustained multiple gunshot wounds from a high calibre rifle and died on the scene. Police say they are still searching for suspects.
SAPS Spokesperson Jay Naicker is appealing to those who might have witnessed the incident last Thursday to come forward.
“We are appealing to anybody with information who might assist in the investigation to come forward. We are also appealing to all witnesses who may have saw what happened when the incident took place around 1 o clock in the afternoon. People saw this incident occurred, motorists driving past. People can report anonymously to crime stop 0800 10 111 or my SAP AP,” says Naicker.
The provincial Department of Education says Nkosi played a critical role in the shaping and transformation of special schools. Spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi says they will monitor the case closely.
“As the Department of Education in KZN we were shocked. It is a matter we are following. We will be interested in knowing the development not only having these people behind bars but them telling us who their handlers are,” Mahlambi explains.
Nkosi will be laid to rest this weekend. Tributes on social media continue to pour in.
