Welcome Mathenjwa, principal of Inkoningi Primary School in Ntambanana, outside Empangeni in the North of KwaZulu Natal, was found hanging in his office on Wednesday.

RAT POISON FOUND

Two workers from the school told Zimoja that Mathenjwa was found hanging in his office by an employee who had gone to clean it his office.

"We were shocked when one of the workers came running and screaming from the Mr Mathenjwa?s office. They were crying hysterically and we decided to go and investigate on what was happening in the principal?s office. We went there and we found him hanging with his tie around his neck," said a witness. 

Another witness added, "There was no letter or something explaining why he took the decision to take his own life. His death left many of the workers at the school and learners shocked. There was rat poison which was found next to his plate, which we assumed he consumed before hanging himself. I guess he wanted to make sure that he doesn?t survive."

CONDOLENCES

KZN Department of Education Spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi confirmed the incident. "We can confirm that the school principal?s body was found hanging in his office. We are saddened by this incident and our condolences go out to the teachers, workers and learners," he said.

KZN SAPS Spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo said, "Police in Ntambanana have registered an inquest docket for investigation following an incident in which a body of a 44-year-old man was found at a certain school at Ntambanana on 11 July 2024."