Thursday, October 23, 2025 - The school governing body at Milnerton High School in Cape Town has approved the precautionary suspension of eight pupils following a violent assault captured on video last week.
The footage, which has since circulated online, shows a
pupil being physically and verbally attacked by a group of boys while others
stand around, with some reportedly cheering on the attackers. The incident took
place on October 16 and is alleged to have involved members of the school’s
first-team rugby squad.
Tensions escalated outside the school on Wednesday as
concerned parents gathered to demand a meeting with the principal. The
situation turned chaotic when police were forced to use stun grenades to
disperse parents attempting to force their way onto the school premises.
According to the Western Cape education department, the
school immediately launched an internal investigation after learning of the
assault. The pupils involved were identified and interviewed, leading to the
decision to suspend them as a precautionary measure to ensure “a fair and
transparent disciplinary process” while prioritising the safety and wellbeing
of all learners.
“The suspended learners will face formal disciplinary
hearings in accordance with the relevant disciplinary procedures. In addition,
counselling and psychosocial support are being provided and will continue to be
available to those affected,” the department said.
Officials also urged the public to stop circulating the
video of the assault, warning that continued sharing could deepen the trauma of
those involved. “The circulation of such material not only worsens the trauma
experienced by the victim but also undermines the rights and dignity of all
learners involved,” the department said.
The education department further noted that Grade 12
learners are currently writing their National Senior Certificate examinations,
and while the incident has caused distress within the school community, “every
effort is being made to ensure that all learners are able to write their exams
in a calm and secure environment.”
The investigation and disciplinary hearings are ongoing.
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