Slain Bloekombos school principal described as a selfless leader, mentor

CAPE TOWN - A murdered school principal has been described as a selfless leader and mentor.

Jeffrey Sigudla was shot dead while sitting in his car outside Ekuthuleni Primary School on Thursday morning.

His wife has been hospitalised.

Sigudla's murder comes just a week into the new school year.

Instead of attending classes, hundreds of learners, teachers and Bloekombos residents were at the scene of the fatal shooting.

School governing body chairperson, Linda Phitho, said that the Ekuthuleni Primary School principal was a humble man.

"Mr Sigudla was also active in terms of the SADTU union, Mr Sigudla was also active as a leader."

Community leader, Siyabona Siduka, questioned the motive for the attack.

"I can not say that it's just people who went to rob the principal because I heard that it was 12 bullets that shot the principal. I think there's a motive."

He added that the community of Bloekombos would be poorer without Sigudla.

Meanwhile, the South African Communist Party secretary in the Western Cape, Benson Ngqentsu, is calling for a thorough investigation into Sigudla's killing.
 
Police have confirmed that the motive for the killing of Sigudla is still under investigation.
 
The Communist Party's provincial Secretary is urging law enforcement authorities to work around the clock to apprehend the shooters.
 
"The safety of our educators and learners is of utmost importance, and we cannot tolerate such acts of violence in our communities. I call on everyone to work together to ensure that our schools remain safe spaces for learning."