KEY POINTS
- Suspect arrested in KwaZulu-Natal acting principal’s murder case.
- Police believe the killing is linked to competition for the principal role.
- Khomo was remembered for his dedication to education and leadership.
A suspect has been taken into custody by KwaZulu-Natal police in relation to the shooting death of Busani Khomo, an acting school principal, late last year.
KwaZulu-Natal acting principal gunned down outside school
On December 5, 2024, Khomo, 57, was shot and killed while he was leaving Sikhethuxolo Secondary School in Hammarsdale, which is in the Pinetown District, along Sofasonke Road. Khomo was the acting principal and deputy principal of the school at the time.
Authorities believe that fierce competition for the permanent principalship at the school may have contributed to Khomo’s death. The case was turned over to the Provincial Serious and Violent Crimes Unit for additional investigation after the murder.
Police suspect principal role rivalry as motive for killing
According to Iol, Police say a 28-year-old suspect was arrested on March 11 in the Mpumalanga Township as a result of intelligence-driven operations. The person is scheduled to appear in the Hammarsdale Magistrate’s Court on March 12 after being charged with murder.
The investigation is still underway, according to police, and more arrests could be made.
Khomo was characterized as a passionate teacher with a lengthy career in the field of education. He was also a devoted member of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU).
Before transferring to Luthayi High School, Khomo started his teaching career at Ingede Primary School, according to SADTU. In addition to being a site steward for the union, he was named the Departmental Head at Amatshezulu High School in 2013. He was chosen to serve as Mathews Meyiwa’s branch treasurer in the Mzi Mthembu Region the same year.
At Sikhethuxolo Secondary School, Khomo was elevated to deputy principal in 2014 and remained there till his passing. He worked for SADTU from 2015 to 2017 as Mathews Meyiwa’s branch secretary.
Colleagues and SADTU members have expressed their sorrow over Khomo’s passing, characterizing him as a devoted educator who was focused on both his pupils’ academic progress and well-being.
