South Africa: On Monday, 24 October 2022, Premier of the Free State province Sefora Ntombela, accompanied by officials from her office, visited the family of slain teacher Matefo Mphoseka in Botshabelo, Section D.
Mphosela was a Grade 12 teacher at Kagisano combined school in Soutpan, Masilonyana local municipality. News of the grisly killing of Mphosela, allegedly by one of his learners, has caused widespread shock across the province and also drew condemnation from society at large.
Speaking to the grieving family, Premier Ntombela said the callous manner in which Mphosela was murdered demonstrated a complete disregard for human life by criminals. Premier Ntombela further said this killing, which took place only days before Grade 12 learners sit down for their end of the year examinations, has placed a heavy burden on both her pupils and colleagues.
“We were horrified to learn about the killing of teacher Mphosela. Violent crime has become a normality in our neighbourhoods, and unfortunately, women and children are mostly victims. This senseless killing is but one of many similar cases reported almost daily.
This shocking killing has caused great strain on learners who will, in a matter of days, be writing their end of the year examinations.
I would like to extend my appreciation to MEC for Education, Tate Makgoe, who, upon learning of the crime, ensured that support, in the form of counselling for both learners and teachers, was provided.
I also wish to thank the South African Police Service for the speedy arrest of the suspect. We ask that the family is given the necessary space to mourn one of their own, and also, we appeal to our people to desist from making crude remarks, as we have seen on social media, about this sickening crime.
I would like to convey our deepest condolences to the family, learners and colleagues of the deceased,” said Premier Ntombela.