Tensions flared in Kraaifontein, near Cape Town, on Wednesday after hundreds of learners from Masibambane Secondary School and Hector Peterson High School staged protests demanding the removal of foreign nationals from schools and South Africa.
Police said about 700 learners participated in the demonstrations, which later turned violent. Protesters allegedly threw stones at vehicles, looted roadside stalls, forced open cars and assaulted a foreign national during the unrest.
Security officers and police were deployed to restore calm and escort learners back to school premises. Authorities confirmed that no serious injuries or arrests had been reported at the time.
The Western Cape Education Department said the protests appeared to have started at one school before spreading to another nearby institution. Despite the disruptions, classes reportedly continued.
The department also warned that disciplinary action could be taken against learners involved in acts of violence and vandalism.
Police investigations into the incident are ongoing.
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