A Grade 10 learner was fatally shot on Monday morning, 14 September 2026, at Ndengezi Intermediate School in KwaNdengezi, near Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal.
The learner, identified in reports as 19-year-old Sphelele Ngubane, was reportedly shot multiple times while on the school premises. The incident has left fellow learners, teachers, staff and the wider community deeply shocked and mourning the loss of a young life.
According to police, the learner and another individual, who was reportedly wearing the same school uniform, were seen entering the school together. Shortly after they entered the premises, the individual allegedly opened fire on the learner.
The victim was reportedly shot several times before the suspect fled the school. One account from the family stated that the learner was shot five times from behind. However, the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remain subject to the ongoing police investigation.
Emergency services attended the scene, but the learner was declared dead at the school.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education confirmed that the victim was a Grade 10 learner at the school. The department expressed concern over the incident, particularly because the shooting occurred within a school environment where learners and educators should be able to feel safe.
KwaZulu-Natal Education MEC Sipho Hlomuka described the killing as disturbing and expressed condolences to the learner’s family, classmates and the school community. The incident has once again raised concerns about violence affecting schools and the safety of learners and educators.
Police have opened a murder case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting. At this stage, details about the motive and the identity and whereabouts of the alleged shooter have not been confirmed publicly.
The incident is expected to cause significant emotional distress among learners who witnessed or were present during the shooting. School communities often rely on counselling and other support services following traumatic incidents, particularly when a learner dies violently on school grounds.
As the investigation continues, the victim’s family and loved ones are left to grieve the loss of a young person whose life was cut short.
The circumstances surrounding the death remain under investigation, and members of the public are urged to allow the authorities to conduct their work and to avoid spreading unverified information.
The death of a learner is a painful loss for any family and community. The thoughts and condolences of many are with Sphelele Ngubane’s family, friends, classmates, teachers and everyone affected by this tragedy.
May he rest in peace. 💔🕊️
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