By Lebone Rodah Mosima and Marcus Moloko
Eight Milnerton High School pupils are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on charges of assault with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm.
The group was caught in a video allegedly assaulting a grade 10 pupil.
Two additional videos have emerged in connection with the violent assault of a Milnerton High School learner, according to Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond.
The first video, which surfaced on social media on Wednesday, shows a Grade 10 pupil being viciously beaten by fellow students. The footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for decisive action against school bullying.
The incident — currently under investigation by the provincial education department — occurred on October 16 after school hours. The 16-year-old victim is seen being assaulted with a belt, hosepipe, and stick by a group of older boys, reportedly members of the school’s first rugby team. Other learners can be seen watching and cheering during the attack.
The department confirmed that eight Grade 11 learners have been suspended in connection with the incident. Hammond said the school – which is conducting its own investigation – was adhering to legal procedure.
“There is a process that’s taking place. That is what we have to respect. The disciplinary process is governed by law. The school needs to have a disciplinary hearing now. They’re currently gathering evidence. Two other videos have come to light involving some of the learners in the first video, and that will be placed in the investigation file,” she said.
Hammond added that the alleged offenders cannot be expelled immediately.
“If the school had expelled the learners, then they would have every right to walk in the door of that school the next day, and this whole process would fall apart. The school is following due process as governed by law. The disciplinary hearing needs to happen and then only will there be a recommendation, and it is the head of department, not the school, that makes the decision regarding expulsion.”
The victim, who recently completed chemotherapy after a battle with cancer, has reportedly asked to be home-schooled due to the trauma caused by the attack. His mother, in an audio message shared on social media, said the assault had dealt a devastating blow to her son’s recovery and emotional well-being.
INSIDE POLITICS