COBOSI VILLAGE — Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade has visited the grieving family of Mncedisi Ntentema, the principal of Khanyolwethu High School, who was fatally shot in his office in Cobosi village outside eNgcobo.
Ntentema was gunned down by an intruder who reportedly fired three shots at him. The attack has left his family and the wider community in shock and mourning.
“The family is still devastated and shocked by the brutal killing of a father and children in the village,” a family representative said. “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.”
During the visit, MEC Fundile Gade addressed the broader implications of the tragedy, emphasizing that criminality within society directly compromises the safety of both educators and learners. He described crime as a “major, major, major anti-development aspect” that must be addressed through coordinated efforts across all facets of government, not solely the education sector.
“This issue has to be done through all facets of government, not left to education alone,” Gade stated. He warned that a collapse of morality within communities would have a negative impact on the education system, particularly in rural areas.
The MEC also called on parents to take greater responsibility within their households, stressing that community stability and moral guidance are essential to supporting learners and protecting school environments.
The Eastern Cape Education Department has expressed deep concern over the incident, reaffirming its commitment to the safety and well-being of school staff and students. Police in the eNgcobo area continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the principal’s killing.
Ntentema is remembered by his family and colleagues as a dedicated educator and community leader whose loss represents a significant blow to Khanyolwethu High School and the Cobosi community at large.
