THE mother of the Milnerton High School pupil being assaulted in a viral video doubts if her son will be safe when he returns to school. 

“The only thing I am expecting now is for justice to be served. I’m still angry, it’s still shocking, I’m still not feeling OK. I don’t even know if my son will be safe going back there. We are at home at the moment. I am very tired. I didn’t sleep at all because I was coming from nightshift, then I had to go to the police station,” the mother said.  

She said her son had been at the school since Grade 8 and said this was the first time he had experienced something like this. This comes after a 16-year-old Grade 10 was allegedly assaulted by Grade 11 boys, in an incident believed to be part of an initiation ritual. 

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed the School Governing Body had approved the precautionary suspension of eight pupils. 

“This decision was taken to ensure a fair and transparent disciplinary process, while prioritising the safety and well-being of all learners at the school. The suspended learners will now face formal disciplinary hearings in accordance with the relevant disciplinary procedures. In addition, counselling and psychosocial support are being provided and will continue to be available to those affected.

“The school has reported that it is following all necessary protocols and procedures and is treating the matter with the seriousness it warrants. The behaviour in question does not reflect the values or ethos of Milnerton High School,” WCED spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond said. 

Tensions ran high outside Milnerton High School on Wednesday as protesters, some of them parents, clashed with police demanding justice for the victim. 

Police confirmed stunt grenades were used to disperse the crowd of some 150 people.

“Public Order Police took action at a crowd of approximately 150 protesters on Wednesday afternoon, 22 October 2025. The participants became riotous at the Secondary school and police used stunt grenades to disperse the crowd. We can confirm that no injuries were reported. Police will stay in the affected area until we are satisfied that calm has been restored. We appeal to every person who participates in the protest, to do so within the ambit of the law,” said police spokesperson Wesley Twigg. 

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has  launched its own investigation into the matter.

“We urge members of the public to refrain from disseminating the extremely sensitive and upsetting video any further. Because of the growing concern over bullying in schools, the Commission will roll out a rights and responsibilities campaign in schools to emphasise with learners that while they have rights, they also have a duty to understand that rights come with responsibilities. The rights and responsibilities campaign will capacitate learners on school codes of conduct, and respect for the rights of learners and teachers,” said SAHRC commissioner, Tshepo Madlingozi. 

Madlingozi said the Commission was also in the process of finalising a Model Code of Conduct with the view to address systemic intervention rather than addressing bullying individually.

“Given the nature of the alleged bullying, the Commission also encourages the alleged victim to lay criminal charges against the perpetrators as it must be understood that bullying is not only deplorable but also criminal conduct. The Commission has noticed a growing trend of bullying in schools, shared on social media.” 

He said the Commission also receives general complaints on bullying which are investigated in accordance with its Complaints Handling Procedures.

“If a complaint has been registered with the Department of Basic Education or the school, the Commission monitors reported complaints of bullying to see whether the school and the Department of Basic Education are applying policies in a fair and adequate manner. The Commission reviews school policies and the general culture of the school to determine factors that could have contributed to the bullying challenge.”

Cape Times

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