The South African Police Services say they are on high alert following protest action led by high school learners in Kraaifontein.
The Kraaifontein Police Station Commander says they received a telephone call from a member of the public on Wednesday morning regarding a group of learners from two high schools that are protesting.
About 700 learners in uniform from two schools were reportedly protesting regarding foreign nationals, who they want out of their schools and out of the country. According to police, the learners were marching towards another high school in Wallacedene to join them.
According to police Captain F.C Van Wyk, at one of the schools, protesting learners were throwing stones at passing vehicles, and at the other high school, learners were throwing stones at the personnel’s vehicles.
“Some of the learners were walking to SAPS Kraaifontein and while walking they were looting the fruit stalls next to the road and shops.” added Cpt Van Wyk
Public Order Police Services were informed and deployed to the area, and upon arrival at Botfontein Road, they engaged with the protesting learners, and the members escorted the learners back to their respective schools.
“SAPS and other law enforcement agencies will remain in the affected area to monitor the situation and to response to any eventuality that may arise.”
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has confirmed that the incidents appear to have originated at the Masibambane Secondary School and subsequently spread to neighbouring schools.
According to department spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, it is alleged that an external group may have initiated disruptions by locking the school gates. However, this allegation is being investigated.
Hammond added that the affected schools did not close and teaching and learning did continue, although some learners left the school premises during the disruptions.
“Schools will follow due process and institute disciplinary proceedings where learners are identified as having been involved.”
The department added that definitive reports on the causes and intentions, as well as the damages and individuals involved, are still being finalised.
