Milnerton High bullying case moves closer to expulsions as WCED weighs final decision

Milnerton High bullying case moves closer to expulsions as WCED weighs final decision

For many South Africans, the video was impossible to watch and even harder to forget.

Months after disturbing footage of a Milnerton High School learner being assaulted by his peers spread across social media, the case has reached a critical point. Seven pupils now face possible expulsion as the Western Cape Department of Education (WCED) considers the school’s disciplinary recommendation.

What the school has decided

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed that Milnerton High has completed its internal disciplinary process.

The school’s disciplinary committee has recommended the expulsion of seven learners, with the full documentation submitted to the WCED last week. The matter now rests with the department’s Head of Department, who will make the final call.

The incident that shocked the country

The case dates back to October last year, when a video circulated widely online showing a 16-year-old Grade 10 learner being assaulted during what authorities described as a bullying incident.

The footage shows the boy being slapped, punched and humiliated by a group of peers. The speed with which the video spread and the apparent confidence of the attackers, sparked outrage far beyond the school community. Some of the accused learners are reportedly members of the school’s First Team Rugby squad, adding to public concern about power dynamics and accountability in school sports culture.

Criminal charges running alongside school action

Eight learners were charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. They first appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on 23 October 2025, with six appearing in one court and two juveniles in another.

They were released on bail and warning under strict conditions. These included staying away from school premises, avoiding contact with the complainant and witnesses, and handing over their cellphones to investigators.

To allow them to complete final examinations, the case was postponed, with the WCED arranging alternative exam venues while the accused studied from home. The learners are due back in court on Tuesday, 20 January 2026.

Parents, activists and public reaction

The incident reignited long-standing concerns about bullying and violence in schools, particularly elite or high-profile institutions. Parents of learners at Milnerton High previously raised alarms about safety, while civil society organisations called for firm consequences.

Parents for Equal Education South Africa (PEESA) founder Vanessa Le Roux who also speaks on behalf of the bullied learner’s mother, welcomed the disciplinary committee’s recommendation.

She described it as a form of justice, saying schools should have zero tolerance for criminal behaviour and bullying. According to Le Roux, the incident should serve as a wake-up call about accountability and consequences.

Beyond discipline: The lasting emotional toll

While the disciplinary process is nearing its end, Le Roux emphasised that the emotional damage to the victims has not simply disappeared.

As the accused learners prepare to return to court, she extended prayers and support to the victims and their families, noting that they are the ones left to deal with the long-term emotional fallout.

What happens next

The final decision now lies with the Head of Department of the WCED. If the recommendation is upheld, it could result in the permanent removal of seven learners from Milnerton High, a rare but significant step in a case that has already become a national reference point in conversations about school bullying.

For many watching closely, the outcome will signal how seriously institutions are prepared to act when violence crosses the line from misbehaviour into criminal conduct.

{Source: IOL}

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