EFF demands probe into detonation of tear gas canister at CT school

CAPE TOWN - The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is demanding a thorough investigation into the detonation of a tear gas canister at a Cape Town school. 

The incident apparently happened at Bellville Technical High School last week and on Monday, the EFF's regional chairperson, Ntsikelelo Tyandela, tried to conduct an oversight visit. 

The party's parliamentary representative was, however, denied access by the acting principal. 

Tyandela said that the detonation of the tear gas canister, apparently by a pupil, caused severe distress and harm to many learners, including those with respiratory conditions like asthma. 

He said that they were also calling for accountability and the immediate identification of all individuals involved in the incident.

"We are really concerned about what has transpired where a student brought tear gas, which he took from his parent who serves at the SAPS. Our concern is the school and students because if a student is able to bring tear gas, what else can he bring? Don't you think he is exposed also to the firearms that the police have?" 

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED)'s Bronagh Hammond said that while the department acknowledged the role of parliamentary oversight, it could not accept the blatant disregard of rules and regulations.

"A member of the EFF and MP in the National Assembly arrived at the school yesterday without any appointment or prior notice. He brought along with him members of his political party who are not MPs, demanding information on an incident that occurred last week. The group was wearing full party political regalia, which is in clear violation of both the South African Schools Act and the Western Cape Provincial Schools Education Act." 

Hammond said that school management did engage with the EFF, but did not provide personal information in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act.

"The incident last week did involve a tear gas canister that went off in the school. Two learners have been identified and face disciplinary action. The school was evacuated in terms of safety procedures."