CAPE TOWN - A member of the school governing body (SGB) at Heathfield High School in Cape Town said classes have been suspended for the day, following clashes between pupils from the school and law enforcement.
SGB member Brendon de Kock said officers had arrived at the school on Tuesday to search for contraband.
He said pupils were made aware of the visit the day before, but were not pleased with the officers’ conduct and a scuffle broke out: “Ten law enforcement vehicles, with at least 20 law enforcement individuals, searched the pupils for contraband, etc. The pupils were not happy as some of the girl pupils said they were touched inappropriately. From there, things just escalated.”
Tensions were high at the school with many of its over 1,000 pupils confronting law enforcement officers.
De Kock said the dismissal of principal Wesley Neuwmann may have fueled the pupil’s anger. Neuwmann was found guilty of several charges of misconduct.
“Students are still angry with Neuwmann being dismissed and want him back. They’re saying for all of this to go away, Mr Neuwmann must come back,” added De Kock.
Teachers and pupils had also recently staged a picket. They argued that Neuwmann was unfairly suspended.
