Man arrested for murder of KZN school principal
Man arrested for murder of KZN school principal! KwaZulu-Natal police have arrested a suspect linked to the murder of school principal Busani Khomo, who was shot and killed late last year. The arrest marks a breakthrough in a case that left the Hammarsdale community in shock and mourning.
Principal Shot While Leaving School
Busani Khomo was the principal at Skhethuxolo High School in Hammarsdale, a town located west of Durban. He was gunned down while driving out of the school premises, in what authorities believe may have been a targeted attack.
His death sent shockwaves through the local community, with fellow educators, students, and parents demanding swift justice. Many described Khomo as a dedicated educator who was passionate about his students and their future.
Suspect Arrested in Mpumalanga Township
After months of investigation, police conducted an intelligence-driven operation that led to the arrest of a suspect in Mpumalanga Township on March 11, 2025.
KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Ntathu Ndlovu confirmed the arrest, stating:
“Police conducted an intelligence-driven operation at Mpumalanga Township on 11 March 2025, which led to the arrest of the suspect. Police also seized a pair of pants which is suspected to have been worn by the suspect during the commission of the offence.”
The exact motive behind the murder has not yet been disclosed, and investigators are working to determine whether the killing was linked to workplace disputes, personal conflicts, or criminal elements.
Court Appearance and Bail Abandonment
The suspect appeared in the Hammarsdale Magistrates Court on Wednesday, facing a charge of murder. In a surprising move, he abandoned his bail application, meaning he will remain in police custody while the investigation continues.
Natasha Ramkisson-Kara, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), confirmed the court proceedings, stating:
“The case has been postponed to the 17th of April 2025 for further investigation. The accused, who abandoned his bail application, is charged with murder.”
By choosing not to apply for bail, the suspect avoided revealing more details about himself or his potential involvement in the crime during a bail hearing. His legal team has not yet made any statements regarding his defense.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Reactions
With the suspect now in custody, police are continuing their investigation to gather more evidence and possibly link other individuals to the crime. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that more arrests could follow.
The murder of school principals and teachers has been a growing concern in South Africa, where violence within the education sector has been on the rise. In recent years, several teachers and school administrators have been attacked or killed, sometimes due to disciplinary disputes, conflicts over school resources, or criminal extortion rings.
The Hammarsdale community has welcomed the arrest, but many say they will only feel safe once justice is fully served.
“We are relieved that an arrest has been made, but we still have so many unanswered questions,” said a local teacher who worked with Khomo.
“We want to know why he was killed and who was behind it. We need to feel safe in our own schools.”
What Happens Next?
With the case set to continue in April, authorities will now focus on building a solid case against the accused. The evidence collected, including the suspect’s clothing, will likely play a key role in determining his involvement in the murder.
If convicted, the suspect could face a lengthy prison sentence, depending on the circumstances surrounding the crime.
For now, the family, colleagues, and students of Busani Khomo remain hopeful that justice will be served, as they continue to mourn the loss of a dedicated principal whose life was cut short in a senseless act of violence.
