Rioting learners demand foreign nationals leave Kraaifontein schools
Video footage of the unrest was shared on social media, showing masses of learners in uniform flooding the street and looting fruit stalls.
Image: Screenshot
Chaos erupted in Kraaifontein on Wednesday morning when about 700 learners rioted in the streets, demanding that foreign nationals leave their schools and the country.
With a wave of anti-migrant sentiment sweeping across South Africa and Cape Town, learners from Masibambane High School and Hector Peterson High School reportedly assaulted a foreign national, as they unleashed carnage on school staff, passing motorists and fruit stall owners.
Video footage of the unrest was shared on social media, showing masses of learners in uniform flooding the street and looting fruit stalls as they went along.
The situation escalated further when protesting students allegedly assaulted a man believed to be a foreign national.
According to police, the schoolkids from one school were throwing stones at passing vehicles and people outside the school, while at the other high school, learners were throwing stones at the school staff’s vehicles.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk reported: “This morning (Wednesday, 27 May) at 8.30am, Kraaifontein SAPS Station Commander received a telephone call from a member of the public regarding a group of learners from two high schools that are protesting.
“About 700 learners in uniform from two schools were protesting regarding foreign nationals, who they want out of their schools and out of the country.
“At one of the schools, protesting learners were throwing stones at passing vehicles. At the other high school, learners were throwing stones at the personnel’s vehicles.
Chaos erupted at Kraaifontein schools as 700 learners protested against foreign nationals.
Image: Screenshot
“Some of the learners were walking to SAPS Kraaifontein, and while walking they were looting the fruit stalls next to the road and shops.”
“Public Order Police (POPS) were informed and deployed to the area. Upon POPS’ arrival at Botfontein Road, close to the SAPS Kraaifontein, they engaged with the learners (protesters) and the members escorted the learners (protesters) back to their respective schools.”
Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said: “We are aware of disruptions at certain high schools in the Kraaifontein area. The incidents appear to have originated at Masibambane Secondary School and subsequently spread to neighbouring schools.
“This matter is currently under investigation.”