Update: 23 October, 14:55pm
The eight teenagers from Milnerton High School who appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court earlier today have been charged following the bullying incident.
According to information from the South African Police Service, the suspects are facing charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following the circulation of a viral video that showed a Grade 10 learner being assaulted by fellow pupils.
Update: 23 October, 12:30pm
Eight teenagers, aged between 17 and 18, are set to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court today in connection with a bullying incident at Milnerton High School.
This follows the emergence of a viral video showcasing the assault of a Grade 10 learner, raising serious concerns around student safety and the prevailing culture of violence in schools.
According to Smile FM, police have confirmed that the suspects are facing charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, a move welcomed by crime-fighting organisation Fight Against Crime SA (FACSA).
In a statement, FACSA highlighted the view that bullying transcends school boundaries, stating, ‘Bullying is not a ‘school matter’ – it’s a crime, and it must be treated as such.’
The shocking incident has sparked wide discussions about the need for stringent measures to combat bullying in schools, with many calling for more robust interventions and support systems for victims.
FACSA has vowed to closely monitor the case, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring that justice is served.
Furthermore, as the legal proceedings unfold, the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has announced that it will visit Milnerton High School later today.
Update: 23 October, 1o:30am
As the community of Milnerton grapples with the fallout from a bullying incident at Milnerton High School, a mother is reported to have stepped forward to defend her son, whose actions have ignited widespread outrage.
The incident, which occurred on 16 October 2025, involved the physical assault of a Grade 10 pupil, leading to the suspension of eight students after a video of the altercation went viral on social media.
Community members expressing their frustration gathered outside the school, demanding accountability and actions against the students involved.
Tensions flared as parents clashed over differing perspectives on the incident. One parent confronted the mother of one of the accused, shouting, ‘Did you see the video? Is that justifiable? Your son is a criminal,’ as per a report on Briefly News.
The mother, unyielding in her stance, replied emphatically, ‘There are two sides to the story,’ while her daughter made efforts to pull her back, clearly concerned about the escalating situation. (Briefly News.)
The Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries has reacted to the incident by expressing deep regret over the suspension of the students for what they classify as racially motivated bullying.
Committee member Makhi Feni described the behaviour of the learners involved as not merely bullying but reflective of a ‘gangster mentality’ and warned that these ‘small activities’ could ignite larger societal conflicts.
‘The laissez-faire attitude of the SGB can only be motivated by racism and needs to be nipped in the bud. South African schools should be centres of diverse activities and tolerance. We have a history as black South Africans that must never be forgotten,’ he emphasised.
Update: 22 October, 1pm
A boy who recently triumphed over cancer has become a victim of bullying at Milnerton High School, forsaking his hopes of returning to the classroom.
A bullying attack at Milnerton High School, which has been widely shared across all social media platforms, has left a cancer survivor seeking refuge from the classroom, according to reports from News24.
The gruesome event, involving vicious assaults allegedly carried out by a group of senior pupils, has sparked outrage and introspection among students, parents and educators alike.
The victim, a young boy whose mother recounted his brave battle with cancer, has now expressed a desire to be home-schooled due to the trauma he has experienced. Having completed chemotherapy in January, the child faced a new and devastating challenge as he was accosted by senior rugby players at the school. The incident escalated to physical violence, instilling a deep sense of fear within him, as per reports by News24.
It is reported that his mother shared that despite having triumphed over cancer, her son has been left feeling too threatened to return to the classroom environment he once knew, asking her to keep the situation a secret for fear of retaliation from his attackers.
In response to this distressing event, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has taken swift action to monitor and improve the situation at Milnerton High School.
The WCED confirmed that the school launched an internal investigation immediately after the incident was reported and has since identified and interviewed those involved. As a precautionary measure, eight students have been suspended pending formal disciplinary hearings.
‘This decision aims to uphold a fair and transparent process while ensuring the safety and mental health of all students,’ WCED said.
The school has underscored its commitment to tackling the issue head-on, assuring the community that such behaviour does not align with the institution’s core values.
Alongside the disciplinary measures, the school will also provide counselling and psychosocial support to affected students.
The viral spread of the video that captured the violent incident has drawn additional scrutiny, prompting the WCED to issue a strong plea to the public against sharing such material.
‘Circulating this footage further exacerbates the trauma experienced by the victim and violates their privacy,’ the department warned, advocating for collective responsibility in protecting minors during this sensitive time.
As Grade 12 learners prepare for their National Senior Certificate examinations, the WCED has assured parents and students that every effort is being made to ensure a calm and supportive examination environment amid the distressing atmosphere caused by the bullying incident.
Adding to the discourse, The Western Cape Teachers Forum spoke out about the pervasive issue of bullying within schools, asserting that the Milnerton High incident is merely one of many untold stories.
‘Parents of these bullies must take accountability for their children’s actions,’ they stated, urging the community to lend their voices to those suffering in silence.
Update: 22 October, 9am
In light of the incident at Milnerton High School, the school principal, Gert JP van Tonder, announced that precautionary suspension letters have been issued to eight learners involved in the case, pending an ongoing investigation.
The Western Cape Education Department has confirmed that Milnerton High School has taken steps to address a troubling bullying incident that gained traction on social media after video footage of a Grade 10 learner being assaulted surfaced, according to a report by Smile FM.
Van Tonder communicated the school’s stance in a message shared by Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, the deputy president of the United Democratic Movement (UDM).
In his statement, Van Tonder emphasised the school’s commitment to a safe and supportive environment, stating, ‘This serves as an update regarding the incident currently under investigation at Milnerton High School.’
He confirmed that the School Governing Body, after thorough deliberation, approved the precautionary suspensions to facilitate a fair inquiry into the incident.
‘We want to make it clear that bullying, intimidation, and any form of assault cannot and will not be tolerated at Milnerton High School, these behaviours are completely contrary to the values of our school community and will always be dealt with firmly and fairly,’ Van Tonder reiterated.
The principal’s message also addressed potential unrest, citing that discussions of protest actions have emerged on social media. He assured parents that the school is closely monitoring the situation and will communicate any safety concerns through its official channels.
Meanwhile, Joy Maimela, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, expressed her ‘utter horror and deep concern’ regarding the assault report. ‘What occurred is not merely bullying but borders on assault a criminal offence that demands urgent and decisive action from all relevant authorities,’ Maimela remarked.
She called on education officials to ensure that schools are safe havens for students, emphasising, ‘Schools must be safe spaces for learning and growth, not fear and humiliation.’
As the investigation continues, Milnerton High School remains focused on maintaining its educational priorities.
Van Tonder assured that teaching and learning would continue as usual, reiterating the school’s unwavering dedication to addressing the issue comprehensively while supporting the victim throughout the process.
A disturbing video showing a Grade 10 learner from Milnerton High School being assaulted by a group of boys has ignited national outrage and calls for stricter measures against school bullying, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The incident reportedly occurred on 16 October, shortly after classes ended, and footage of the attack began circulating on social media a few days later.
In the video, the 16-year-old student is seen enduring both physical and verbal abuse while other learners look on without intervening.
The clip was brought to wider attention by United Democratic Movement (UDM) member Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, who shared it on Facebook alongside a statement from the victim’s mother.
In her statement, she accused Milnerton High School of failing to protect her son despite repeated reports of bullying.
‘My son, a Grade 10 student at Milnerton High School, has been subjected to bullying, physical assault, harassment, and emotional abuse by a group of boys, including some members of the school’s Rugby First Team,’ the mother said.
‘These 18-year-olds, who should embody strength, discipline, and leadership, have instead chosen to intimidate and harm others. I’m speaking out for my son, and for every student who has been silenced, dismissed, or ignored. To Milnerton High School in Cape Town: it is your duty to protect your students.’
The video has prompted widespread condemnation from parents, educators, and community leaders, reigniting the debate over how South African schools address bullying and the responsibilities of institutions to safeguard their students.
Authorities and the school administration are yet to release an official statement addressing the incident or outlining the steps being taken to ensure the safety of learners on campus.
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Picture: Nqabayomzi Kwankwa / Facebook
