Following violent protest action by high school learners in Wallacedene and Bloekombos yesterday, heavy police presence remains on high alert today in case of any flare ups.

Hundreds of learners allegedly took to the streets yesterday, demanding the removal of foreign nationals from their schools in protests that turned volatile when a foreign national was allegedly attacked, prompting school authorities to lock learners out of the premises. A large group gathered outside the school gates, with protesters attempting to force the gate open.

According to a provincial education department the protests erupted at Masibambane Secondary School and subsequently spread to neighbouring schools, Hector Petersen and Bloekombs secondary schools. School children then moved into surrounding streets where they pelted cars with stones and looted informal traders along the way.

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“It erupted out of nowhere,” one source said. Public Order Police were hastily deployed to the area.

Under investigation

“It is alleged that an external group may have initiated the disruptions by locking the school gates. This allegation is currently under investigation,” says education spokesperson Bronagh Hammond.

“The affected schools did not close, and teaching and learning continued, although some learners left the school premises during the disruptions.”

Hammond says the schools will follow due process and institute disciplinary proceedings where learners are identified as having been involved.

“At this stage, definitive reports on the causes, intentions of the parties involved and damages incurred are still being finalised,” she says. “All three schools are functioning as normal today, with teaching and learning continuing.”

Police today advised that the situation is currently quiet. “Public order police, crime prevention and sector commanders remain on high alert in the area for any flare ups,” says a provincial police spokesperson.