COBOSI VILLAGE — The Cobosi community outside eNgcobo is grieving following the fatal shooting of Khanyolwethu High School principal Mncedisi Ntentema, who was killed in his office by an intruder who reportedly fired three shots.
Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade traveled to the village to offer condolences to Ntentema’s family, describing the incident as a devastating blow to both the school and the broader community.
A family spokesperson expressed the profound impact of the loss: “The family is still devastated and shocked by the brutal killing of a father and children in the village. It is a great loss to them and to the community. We are saddened about the loss of our brother, who was a breadwinner for all families under our name. We lost a person who was very dedicated to the school.”
MEC Gade used the visit to highlight wider concerns about safety in educational institutions. He stated that criminality within society directly threatens the security of educators and learners, calling crime a “major, major, major anti-development aspect” that requires a multi-sectoral government response.
“This issue has to be dealt with through all facets of government, not left to education alone,” Gade emphasized. He warned that deteriorating moral standards within communities could severely undermine the education system, particularly in rural settings.
The MEC also urged parents to strengthen their role within households, noting that stable family environments and community cohesion are critical to protecting schools and supporting student development.
The Eastern Cape Education Department has reiterated its commitment to educator safety while police in the eNgcobo area continue their investigation into the circumstances of Ntentema’s death.
Colleagues and community members remember Ntentema as a committed school leader whose presence significantly contributed to the educational progress of Khanyolwethu High School.