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The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has noted with great sadness the killing of a Mpumalanga teacher yesterday in front of learners at a school near Bushbuckridge.

According to reports, Ms Kate Chiloane, a Grade 2 teacher, was shot and killed at Sediba-Sa-Thuto Primary School by a man believed to be her husband at around 8 am. Ms Chiloane was on her way to the classroom when she was shot. The man was later found with a bullet wound in his head at his home.

Committee Chairperson Ms Nomalungelo Gina expressed her deepest condolences to the family of Ms Chiloane. “This was indeed a sad day for the entire school community. The Committee would like to express its condolences to the family and friends of Ms Chiloane. We will keep you in our thoughts during this trying time.

“A young educator has been robbed of her life. She had so much to offer our education system. This is indeed a sad moment. We appeal to education authorities to ensure that all parties affected by this tragedy received the necessary assistance to help them deal with this ordeal.”

Ms Gina noted that the murder occurred during Women’s Month, during a time when there is increased awareness of gender-based violence in our society. She appealed to individuals to seek help before resorting to such violence.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Nomalungelo Gina