Pupils and teachers of Fikizolo Primary School are still reeling after the deaths of a pupil and teacher earlier this week.
Pupils and teachers of Fikizolo Primary School are still reeling after the deaths of a pupil and teacher earlier this week.
The gruesome murder of well-known teacher and church leader Siphokazi Tom has shocked the community, while the man who allegedly killed her is still at large.
Reportedly a taxi driver, the man is said to have broken into Tom's D Street home before attacking her with a sharp object in front of her child, according to sources close to the family.
Ethiopian Episcopal Church Reverend Velile Quza said he received a call in the early hours of Tuesday 15 October informing him of Tom's tragic death.
After giving a statement to police, a small church gathering was organised, he said.
"We are shocked and devastated by this unexpected incident," Quza said in an interview shortly afterwards. "It is a huge loss to our family and the church."
The reverend said he didn't foresee that something like this would happen to her.
Police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender said a case of murder is under investigation and that Tom sustained several wounds to her upper body.
Fikizolo principal Monde Dlepu said Tom will be sorely missed by the school governing body and the children.
Her memorial service will be held at the city hall on Tuesday 22 October at 12pm. Her funeral will take place on Friday 25 October at the Ethiopian Episcopal Church.
Meanwhile, news that a pupil at Fikizolo had also died emerged this week.
The seven-year-old girl from Mission reportedly succumbed to a long-term illness.
The pupil will be buried on Saturday 19 October.
