Kraaifontein, South Africa — Teaching and learning were brought to a halt on Wednesday after large groups of learners from two high schools took to the streets in a protest that escalated into disorder and vandalism.
An estimated 700 learners from Masibambane High School and Hector Peterson High School left school premises during the morning hours, voicing demands for the removal of foreign nationals from their schools and the country.
During the unrest, a foreign national was reportedly assaulted. Members of the public, including motorists and street traders, were also affected as the situation spread through nearby roads.
Footage shared on social media shows uniformed learners moving in groups through the streets, with some breaking into fruit stalls and taking goods from roadside vendors.
Police said learners from one of the schools threw stones at passing vehicles, while others targeted vehicles belonging to school staff.
Parts of the group moved toward the Kraaifontein police station while continuing to damage property and loot stalls along the way.
The situation prompted the deployment of Public Order Police, who were sent to restore order and escort learners back to their schools.
Western Cape police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said officers responded after reports of a large-scale protest linked to the presence of foreign nationals in schools, received around 8:30am.
The Western Cape Education Department confirmed awareness of the incident, noting that the disruption began at Masibambane Secondary School before spreading to nearby institutions. The department says investigations are underway.
