Police used teargas, water cannons and stun grenades to disperse hundreds of EFF protesters in the streets of Brackenfell, Cape Town, on Friday as they marched toward Brackenfell High School.
Hundreds of EFF supporters marched toward Brackenfell High on Friday as they continued their protest against a private matric party that was reportedly attended by only white pupils.
With the area immediately around the high school and primary school sealed off and heavily guarded, police rushed to the first group arriving a few blocks away.
Footage showed stun grenades, teargas and water cannons being used to disperse them.
eNCA reported that the reason for the use of force by police was due to the number of protesters exceeding the number agreed upon.
We will defend our land with our blood.
This, our land we will defend with our bodies.
We are always prepared to die for South Africa.
Today uPhephela will descend on Brackenfell to protest against perverted racism of the school, teachers and parents #EFFInBrackenfell pic.twitter.com/rU4GvL6sNo
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) November 20, 2020
A water cannon was also used and small rocks and broken bricks were lying in the road afterwards.
While the police and other security agencies lined up with guns on their hips and shields, the EFF supporters carried sticks, golf sticks and clubs.
Their posters highlighted alleged racism at Brackenfell High following the private matric party.
Small groups with broken bricks were seen under trees where some people were taking cover from the sun.
As at 11:20, after the protesters were dispersed, EFF supporters regrouped next to the Brackenfell library, their numbers swelling in the heat.
[WATCH]: DSG @mailola_poppy is here in Brackenfell.
DSG says even the atmosphere here smells of racism #EFFInBrackenfell pic.twitter.com/0r4ienGk3Z
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) November 20, 2020
Estimates put the regrouped protesters at between 300 and 400.
The EFF’s Marshall Dlamini arrived and immediately started negotiating their passage with police, to handover a memorandum.
The group was held back by a heavy police line between two shopping centres on the other side of the main carriageway that turns off to the school.
Earlier on Friday, it was quiet outside the school as preparations were made for the protest.
More to follow.
There is a strong police and private security presence outside Brackenfell High School this morning. EFF members are returning to the school for a protest against racial discrimination. eNCA’s Ronald Masinda is on the scene. Courtesy #DStv403 pic.twitter.com/rhSnPBOSbc
— eNCA (@eNCA) November 20, 2020
#BrackenfellHigh Police earlier dispersed a group of EFF supporters who’ve gathered a block away from Brackenfell High School. KB pic.twitter.com/uXe3OeBc3q
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) November 20, 2020
EFF protesters regroup in Paradys Road Brackenfell after being dispersed by police. The group is much larger than the 100 person permit we are told they have to protest on outside Brackenfell High School. Follow this thread and my colleagues @ezaap and @AJGMolyneaux @TimesLIVE pic.twitter.com/1iaNkNfovG
— Aron Hyman (@aron_hyman) November 20, 2020
#BrackenfellHigh: EFF National leaders addressing South African Police in Brackenfell.#EFFInBrackenfell @Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/q9EmWjUoYT
— Athi Mtongana (@Artii_M) November 20, 2020
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Author: News24.com
