An award-winning educator from Richards Bay, was tragically killed during an attempted cash-in-transit robbery in the KwaMbonambi area on Tuesday.
Condolence messages have been shared widely on social media for Bonisiwe Maphumulo from the Mzingazi Primary School.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said police are searching for the suspects wanted in connection with the incident that took place on Dune Road at Nzalabantu.
“Police in KwaZulu-Natal are on the lookout for suspects who attempted to rob a cash delivery vehicle. It is alleged that during the attempted robbery one of the suspects was knocked down by a vehicle that was passing by. The suspects then shot the driver of the vehicle that knocked their accomplice, and she was declared dead at the scene,” said Netshiunda.
The victim was identified as Maphumulo, a Grade 3 teacher, who was honoured in the Excellence in Primary School Teaching category at the National Teaching Awards in October.
When The Mercury reported on the awards in October, Maphumulo said she was passionate about teaching her pupils about Information and Communication Technologies.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education expressed deep sorrow over the loss of one of their brightest educators.
Department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said: “We can confirm that indeed Ms Maphumulo lost her life in that tragic incident. We are very saddened as a department that we lost one of our dedicated and gifted educators.
“The fact that not so long ago she was honoured in the Excellence in Primary School Teaching category and even won a car, speaks volumes about her dedication. We lost a very young educator whom I am told had less than 10 years in the field. She died while on her way to school.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to her family and loved ones. May her legacy endure, and may her soul rest in eternal peace.”
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) paid tribute to Maphumulo, describing her as an educator who believed in the power of education to transform lives.
“Ms. Maphumulo was a passionate educator committed to making a difference in children’s lives. She believed strongly in the importance of a solid foundation for children’s development and took immense pride in building and shaping that foundation,” SADTU said.
SADTU noted that her impact extended beyond the classroom, as she worked tirelessly to understand and address the challenges her students faced, striving to create better opportunities for them.
“Her untimely passing has not only deprived the world of an exceptional teacher but also robbed our children of a heroine who championed empowerment through education,” SADTU added.
Nomarashiya Caluza, spokesperson for SADTU KZN, said: "Miss Maphumulo was a resource to the education sector and SADTU, a selfless teacher who excelled in her profession and contributed to the development of others. Her recognition in the National Teaching Awards for Excellence in Primary School Teaching was a testament to her dedication and talent. She also led innovative programmes like coding and robotics. She also showcased the balance between being an excellent teacher and a committed Union leader.
"We have lost a remarkable educator and leader. SADTU extends heartfelt condolences to her family, school, community, and our union members. It is our prayer that those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice."