Deputy Police Minister pay visit to crime affected school

By Ofentse Mokae
25 August 2009

Deputy police minister Fikile Mbalula together with Western Cape provincial police commissioner Mzwandile Petros paid a visit to Sithembele Mathiso Secondary School in New Crossroads, Cape Town this afternoon.

This follows after the school principal Nomzoxolo Dziba was gunned downed on the school premises yesterday.

The 52 year old was shot in her office while she was awaiting the arrival of her appointment.

Gugulethu police spokesperson Captain Elliot Sinyangana said the principal was to meet a person who called for an appointment.

“Shortly before the incident happened, a white Toyota corolla was spotted and shots were fired,” said Sinyangana.

He says no arrests have been made and the public are requested to assist the police in the investigations.

Ministerial spokesperson Paena Galena says the purpose of the visit to the school by the deputy minister was to ascertain security measures and meet with school authorities.

“The purpose of our visit was first to ascertain ourselves with security measures at the school and to meet with the school governing body so that the school should be back to normal,” said Galane.

Galane said the visit was also to send their condolences to the bereaved family and the school on their loss.

Earlier it was reported that the Western Cape Education department had closed the school for the day.