Eight teenagers, aged between 17 and 18, are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Thursday in connection with a violent bullying incident at Milnerton High School that sparked national outrage after a video of the assault went viral.
Police confirmed that the group faces charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH) following the circulation of footage showing a Grade 10 learner being attacked by several pupils.
The incident, which occurred late last week, has reignited public debate about violence and accountability in schools, as well as concerns over the protection of learners on school grounds.
“Bullying is not a school matter – it’s a crime”
Crime-fighting organisation Fight Against Crime SA (FACSA) has welcomed the arrests, describing the police’s response as “a critical step toward restoring accountability and safety in learning environments.”
In a statement, FACSA said: “Bullying is not a ‘school matter’ – it’s a crime, and it must be treated as such. Too many young victims suffer in silence, and too often perpetrators escape meaningful consequences.”
The organisation added that it would closely monitor the case to ensure that justice is served and that the matter sets a precedent for future cases of school-based violence.
Government responds
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has also announced that it will visit Milnerton High School to engage with school officials, parents, and learners in the wake of the incident.
Committee chairperson Joy Maimela said earlier this week that the assault “borders on criminality” and called for urgent and decisive action from education authorities.
Ongoing unrest and safety concerns
The court appearance follows tense scenes outside Milnerton High on Wednesday, where EFF supporters clashed with police during a protest demanding accountability from the school.
Police fired stun grenades to disperse the crowd after protesters allegedly tried to enter the premises.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that eight learners had already been suspended pending a disciplinary process, and that counselling support had been offered to the victim.
As the investigation continues, authorities and education stakeholders are urging communities to work together to curb the growing trend of school-based violence, which they warn has “no place in South Africa’s education system.”
