‘My son doesn’t feel safe’: Milnerton High assault sparks outrage, suspension of eight learners

‘My son doesn’t feel safe’: Milnerton High assault sparks outrage and national response

A Cape Town mother says she is too afraid to send her son back to school after a video showing him being assaulted by fellow learners at Milnerton High School went viral this week, a clip that has left the country outraged and reignited debate around bullying and violence in South African schools.

“I don’t even know if my son will be safe going back there,” she told reporters, her voice trembling with exhaustion and anger. “The only thing I want now is justice. I’m tired, I didn’t sleep at all. I came from nightshift and went straight to the police station.”

The mother, who asked not to be named to protect her son’s privacy, said her child had been at the school since Grade 8 and had never experienced anything like this before. The 16-year-old was allegedly assaulted by a group of Grade 11 boys an attack some claim was part of an initiation ritual gone wrong.

Eight learners suspended as outrage grows

In response, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that the school’s governing body has suspended eight learners implicated in the incident.

“This decision was taken to ensure a fair and transparent disciplinary process while prioritising the safety and well-being of all learners,” said WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond. “Counselling and psychosocial support are being provided to those affected.”

Hammond added that the school is following all necessary procedures and that the behaviour seen in the video “does not reflect the values or ethos of Milnerton High School.”

But outside the school gates, emotions flared. On Wednesday, about 150 protesters, many of them parents and community members, gathered demanding justice for the victim. Police were called in as tensions escalated.

“Public Order Police took action when the crowd became riotous,” said police spokesperson Wesley Twigg. “Stun grenades were used to disperse the group. No injuries were reported, and police remain in the area to maintain calm.”

A national conversation about bullying and accountability

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has since launched its own investigation into the incident, calling it part of a “growing and deeply concerning trend” of school bullying being captured and shared on social media.

Commissioner Tshepo Madlingozi urged the public to stop sharing the video out of respect for the victim’s dignity, warning that such actions could further traumatise those involved.

“Bullying is not only deplorable, it is criminal conduct,” Madlingozi said. “We encourage the alleged victim to lay criminal charges.”

The Commission also announced that it will soon roll out a rights and responsibilities campaign in schools across the country, aimed at educating learners about their rights and the responsibilities that come with them.

According to Madlingozi, the SAHRC is finalising a Model Code of Conduct to help schools tackle bullying systemically, rather than reactively. It will also monitor how schools and the Department of Basic Education handle bullying complaints to ensure policies are applied fairly and effectively.

‘Our children are not okay’

The Milnerton assault has hit a nerve across South Africa, with parents and educators flooding social media with messages of anger and heartbreak.

“This is not just bullying, it’s violence,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “We can’t keep letting schools sweep it under the rug.”

Others have shared stories of their own children’s experiences with bullying, calling for better mental health support, stronger anti-bullying policies, and stricter accountability for both learners and educators.

What makes this case particularly painful for many parents is how familiar it feels, another viral video, another child in tears, another community rallying for justice.

A call for change

For now, the victim’s mother says she’s just focused on helping her son heal, physically and emotionally. “We’re at home right now. He’s scared. I’m scared,” she said softly. “I just want him to feel safe again.”

As investigations unfold and disciplinary hearings begin, the Milnerton High case stands as a harsh reminder that bullying isn’t a “schoolyard issue” it’s a social crisis demanding collective accountability.

Because behind every viral video is a family still reeling and a child wondering if school will ever feel safe again.

{Source: IOL}

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