Teacher killed in Vanderbijlpark: 4 arrested after shooting

Police have arrested four suspects after 33-year-old Riverside High School teacher Palesa Mofokeng was shot and killed in Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng, on Friday.

Among those arrested is a medical doctor.

On Friday, at approximately 08:00, police responded to a complaint of a shooting incident in Hendrik van Eck Boulevard.

On their arrival, police found the woman in the driver’s seat of a Nissan NP200 bakkie, with multiple bullet wounds to her body. She was certified dead on the scene.

In a statement, Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo says: “Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects, who were driving a Honda FRV motor vehicle, shot the woman while at the robots. Police immediately established a task team consisting of Sedibeng District Trio Task Team, Tactical Response Team, K9, Tracking team, and Provincial Crime Intelligence to trace and arrest the suspects.”

Masondo adds information led the team to Kliprivier, Sebokeng, Sharpeville, and Vereeniging, where the four suspects were arrested. “Police also recovered the firearm and seized the vehicle used during the commission of crime.”

Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni applauded the police for working with speed and diligence to ensure the suspects are traced and arrested.

“I am pleased with the manner in which the team handled this investigation and the swift response in arresting the suspects. Gender-based violence remains one of the top priorities of the police in Gauteng. The suspects will be brought to book for the gruesome murder of a woman,” emphasises Mthombeni.

The four suspects are expected to appear in the Vanderbijlpark Magistrate’s Court tomorrow to face a charge of murder.

A dedicated teacher

Sedibeng Ster reports messages of condolences have been pouring in on various social media platforms.

While many shared somber heartfelt messages, the school where Mofokeng was teaching, described her as a dedicated teacher.

A statement issued on their Facebook page reads: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce the passing of Palesa Mofokeng. Mofokeng passed away yesterday morning, unexpectedly. We at Riverside High School are in deep mourning as Mofokeng was a very involved teacher.”

According to the school, Mofokeng made an impact in every staff member and child’s life she came into contact with.

“Previous learners taught by her reached out and expressed their condolences to the school and the family while sharing what she meant to them not just as a teacher, but more [as] a mother,” the statement adds.