The Gauteng Department of Education is reeling in shock after the loss of one of their senior officials, Siza Mbhalati (52) who was shot and killed outside his home yesterday afternoon in Protea Glen, Soweto. The department says Mbhalati was followed home and shot in a hail of bullets.

SHOT EIGHT TIMES

In a statement, the department said that Mbhalati worked as a chief deputy education specialist for the Johannesburg South District. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said he was saddened by Mbhalati's sudden death. "Information at our disposal suggests that Mbhalati was allegedly followed home from work by unknown suspects. He was shot about eight times in his driveway while he was still in his car," he said. Chiloane said Mbhalati had worked for the labour relations unit in the Johannesburg South District and was responsible for facilitating labour-related disputes at schools.

"We are saddened by the unfortunate death of one of our dedicated public servants who served the department with honour and dignity. On behalf of the department, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones. In the same breath, we condemn this level of lawlessness and call for the speedy apprehension of these brazen criminals," he said.

A WEEK OF GRIEF

Chiloane said Mbhalati’s death comes as they are still trying to come to terms with the death of two learners who committed suicide in separate incidents this week. Both learners are from Limpopo and were in Grades 9 and 10. "These incidents serve as a grim reminder that the emotional well-being of learners is a shared responsibility that requires immediate attention from all of us.'