WHILE pupils around the country were celebrating the start of the school year, others at a school in Mpumalanga were in mourning over the brutal death of their teacher.

Zebillion Mphiwe, a teacher at Seruane Secondary at Lefiswane village, was shot dead on Tuesday night while trying to open the gate to his house in Marapyane.

Mpumalanga education MEC Reginah Mhaule said she was shocked over Mphiwe's death and offered his family, pupils and fellow teachers her condolences.

Mphiwe's sister, Kgomotso, said the family was sleeping at about 11pm when they heard him screaming for help, followed by the sound of three gunshots.

"When we rushed out to check what was happening, we found his lifeless body lying on the ground and his car was gone. Whoever did this knew that Zebillion had gone out and waited for him near the gate until he returned. It was a planned hit," she said.

Kgomotso described her brother as a humble person who was liked by many in the area, particularly his pupils.

"We just wonder what the motive was behind this senseless killing. He didn't deserve this."

Seruane Secondary principal Talks Moepi said the school's pupils were still trying to come to terms with the tragedy.

"They were overcome with emotion when they were informed of his death," Moepi said.

Mphiwe taught Grade 10 and 11 geography and Grade 8 and 9 social science.

Police spokesman Sergeant Hastings Chaane said the suspects stole Mphiwe's blue Toyota Corolla sedan, with registration number XRG593GP.

He asked anyone with information to contact Captain Jan Phofele on 079-499-5244.