CAPE TOWN – Eight Milnerton High learners suspended pending disciplinary action.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED), Wednesday morning, confirmed disciplinary action was being taken against eight Milnerton High learners accused of bullying a fellow learner at the school, an incident also subject to police investigation.
The eight had been placed under precautionary suspension following last week’s assault at the school, the department confirmed in a statement released today.
The action came after visuals of the incident had surfaced on social media showing a Grade 10 learner being physically and verbally assaulted by a group of boys on the school premises.
According to Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the WCED, the school conducted an internal investigation on Thursday 16 October, after the video went viral,. All the learners involved in the assault were identified, interviewed and suspended by the School Governing Body pending formal disciplinary hearings.
Investigation underway
The department confirmed the matter was being treated with the seriousness it deserved, the behaviour contradicting the values and ethos of Milnerton High.
“Formal disciplinary hearings will follow for the suspended learners in accordance with relevant disciplinary procedures,” Hammond stated.
Police investigations were also continuing, with Milnerton police confirming they were investigating a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Support for affected learners
The WCED emphasised that counselling and psychosocial support were being provided to those affected by the incident.
It also appealed to the public not to circulate the footage of the incident, highlighting the importance of protecting minors’ privacy and upholding their dignity.
The incident, brought to the public’s attention by United Democratic Movement (UDM) member Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for stricter anti-bullying measures at schools.
The victim’s mother accused the school of ignoring repeated reports of bullying, claiming her son had been subjected to ongoing harassment by a group that included members of the school’s Rugby First Team.
Moving forward
As the disciplinary process was unfolding the WCED stated its commitment to supporting the school community and ensuring fair outcomes while facilitating a safe environment for continued learning.
This was particularly crucial as Grade 12 learners prepared for their National Senior Certificate examinations.
The department emphasised that prioritising safety and well-being for all learners remained paramount as the school worked to address this serious incident.
