A disturbing video showing a Milnerton High School learner being attacked by a group of pupils has triggered public outrage and immediate disciplinary action from the school.
The footage, which quickly spread across social media, captures several learners beating a 16-year-old Grade 10 boy with belts, a hosepipe and a large stick while others stand by and watch.
Two more learners were reportedly assaulted during the same incident.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that eight learners believed to be involved have been issued precautionary suspension letters and will face disciplinary hearings.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the school governing body acted swiftly after the video came to light.
“Following the initial investigation, the school governing body issued precautionary suspension letters to eight learners. They will now face a disciplinary hearing. The school is treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” Hammond said.
Police have confirmed that a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm is under investigation.
SAPS spokesperson Wesley Twigg said the incident happened at around 2:40 p.m. on October 16 and that no arrests have been made so far.
Milnerton High principal Gert van Tonder has assured parents that the school is dealing with the matter through formal disciplinary processes.
Meanwhile, the WCED has urged members of the public to stop sharing the footage, warning that it contains harmful content.
Family law expert Bertus Preller noted that those who filmed or circulated the video without reporting the assault could also face legal consequences.
“From a legal point of view, not preventing or reporting a crime can make one complicit in such a situation,” he explained.