The Western Cape Department of Education (WCED) is considering the possible expulsion of seven Milnerton High School learners following a high-profile bullying incident that shocked the country and led to criminal charges against the pupils.

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed that the school’s internal disciplinary process has been finalised.

“The disciplinary hearing concluded in December. The Disciplinary Committee of the school recommended the expulsion of seven learners,” Hammond said.

“The recommendation documents were sent to the WCED last week and will now be considered by the Head of Department of the WCED.” 

The disciplinary outcome follows a widely circulated video showing a 16-year-old Grade 10 learner being assaulted by his peers in October last year.

The footage, which spread rapidly on social media, depicts the boy being slapped, punched and humiliated during what authorities described as a bullying incident. Some of the accused are allegedly members of the school’s First Team Rugby squad.

Eight learners were charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

They first appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on October 23, 2025, with six appearing in Court 26 and two juveniles appearing in Court 19.

They were released on bail and warning, with strict conditions, including that they may not return to the school premises, have no contact with the complainants or witnesses, and surrender their cellphones to investigators.

The case was postponed to allow the accused to write their final examinations, with the WCED arranging an alternative venue while they studied at home.

The learners are due to return to court again on Tuesday January 20, 2026.

The incident sparked outrage among parents, civil society organisations and the broader public, with many calling for firm action against bullying and violence in schools.

Parents of learners at Milnerton High previously expressed concern about safety at the school.

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

“That feels like justice. The institutions of learning have no place for criminality and bullying behaviour. These boys knew exactly what they were doing,” Le Roux said.

“We welcome the recommendation. Hopefully this is a wake-up call to these young men, to teach them that every decision has consequences,”

She added that while the disciplinary process is nearing its end, the emotional impact on the victims remains profound.

“As they will appear again in court tomorrow, we send our prayers of healing to all the victims and their families, as they must be the ones that pick up the emotional damage that was done to these victims.”

The final decision on whether the seven learners will be expelled now rests with the Head of Department of the WCED.

IOL News

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