The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli, has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of 19-year-old KwaNdengezi High School learner, Sphephelo Ngubane, who was shot inside the school premises on Monday, 14 September 2026.
Preliminary information received from the SAPS indicates that Ngubane sustained multiple gunshot wounds and tragically succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Premier Ntuli has expressed his deep shock and outrage at the killing and has directed that every available law-enforcement resource be brought to bear to ensure that the perpetrator is identified, apprehended and brought before the courts.
“This is a deeply tragic, disturbing and unacceptable act of violence. A school is a place where our children must be protected, nurtured and given the opportunity to build their futures. It cannot become a place where a young life is violently taken.
“As government, we cannot and will not accept the normalisation of violence in our communities or allow our schools to become unsafe spaces. This incident demands a decisive response, and I have instructed our law-enforcement authorities to act with urgency and leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrator to justice.” said Premier Ntuli
Furthermore, the Premier has directed the Department of Community Safety and Liaison, law-enforcement agencies and other relevant stakeholders to urgently assess and strengthen security measures at KwaNdengezi High School through the School Safety Programme.
This intervention will include a comprehensive assessment of the circumstances surrounding the incident and the school's existing safety measures, with appropriate corrective steps to be implemented.
“We have a responsibility to our learners, educators and school communities. We must do everything within our power to ensure that our schools provide safe and secure environments conducive to teaching and learning. We will not wait for another tragedy before we act.”
The Premier has also directed that learners, educators and other members of the school community affected by this traumatic incident receive immediate professional psychological support and trauma counselling.
Premier Ntuli has appealed to members of the community to assist the police by providing credible information that could assist in the investigation and lead to the arrest of the suspected shooter.
“I appeal to anyone who may have information about this terrible incident to come forward and assist the authorities. Silence must not shield those who perpetrate violence. We owe it to Sphephelo, his family and the entire school community to ensure that justice is served.”
The Premier has conveyed his deepest condolences to the Ngubane family, as well as Sphephelo's friends, fellow learners, teachers and the entire KwaNdengezi High School community.
“Our hearts go out to Sphephelo's family at this devastating time. No parent should have to endure the unbearable pain of losing a child in such circumstances. We stand with the family and the school community in mourning this precious young life, and we extend our support to all those who are struggling to come to terms with this tragedy.” concluded Premier Ntuli
The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government will continue to closely monitor developments and coordinate with law enforcement and the school community as the investigation proceeds.