Police investigate assault on schoolboy after disturbing locker-room video surfaces
Police are investigating a case of assault against several school boys after a video was circulated showing another learner receiving a beating in the boys locker-room.
The video, which has raised serious concerns over child safety and privacy, depicts what appears to be a locker-room setting. In the roughly two-minute clip, a group of boys can be seen, some armed with belts, a wooden log, and hockey sticks. One learner is instructed to stand with his hands against the wall while facing away from the group and is then struck over the buttocks with the wooden log.
Despite asking the others to stop, he refuses to stand when another learner demonstrates the correct position. Shortly after, another boy uses a belt to whip the learner over his buttocks and legs, while the rest of the group watches in a seemingly menacing manner.
Bronagh Hammond, communications director for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), said the school acted immediately upon learning of the footage.
“The school has reported that it was made aware of the video on Friday, 17 October, and initiated an investigation immediately. The matter was also immediately reported to the WCED and the parents of the identified learners notified,” Hammond said.
“Interviews as part of the investigation are ongoing and expected to conclude this week, with disciplinary measures to follow. Counselling support has been offered to the affected learners.”This is an ongoing process with the school following all the necessary protocols and procedures as reported to the WCED,” Hammond said.
The WCED has appealed to the public not to share or distribute the video further.
“We urge members of the public to refrain from further sharing or distributing the video. Circulating such footage not only exacerbates the trauma experienced by the victims but also undermines their right to dignity and privacy.
“We appeal to all individuals to act responsibly and sensitively by removing the video from social media platforms and reporting any further circulation to the necessary platforms as harmful content.”
Police have confirmed that a criminal case has been opened.
“Milnerton police are investigating an assault to cause grievous bodily harm case involving a 16-year-old learner at a secondary school in Milnerton,” police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said.
“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrests have been made as of yet.”