Cape Town – Six learners from Milnerton High School in Cape Town are likely to face expulsion after a disciplinary process linked to a widely publicised assault incident that was captured on video and circulated on social media.
According to Eyewitness News, the school’s governing body finalised its internal disciplinary hearing in December and recommended the expulsion of six learners. The matter has since been referred to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) for a final decision.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed that the department is now reviewing the recommendation. “The recommendation documents were sent to the WCED last week and will now be considered by the head of department of the Western Cape Education Department,” Hammond said.
The disciplinary action follows an October 2025 incident in which a 16-year-old learner was allegedly assaulted by a group of fellow pupils. The incident sparked national outrage after footage showing the victim being slapped, punched and taunted circulated online. Eight learners were subsequently arrested and charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
The accused learners appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates Court earlier this month, where the case was postponed to allow some of them, who are in matric, to complete their final examinations. The criminal case is expected to resume in March 2026.
A shocking bullying incident at Milnerton High School, Cape Town — eight students suspended. Authorities urge the public not to share the video to protect the victim’s privacy. #StopBullying pic.twitter.com/2FYYA6O98T
— milnerton high school bullying video (@milnerton38679) October 23, 2025
The WCED said it acted swiftly after the video surfaced, placing the implicated learners on suspension while investigations were conducted. In an earlier statement, Hammond said, “The suspension of the learners was taken to ensure a fair and transparent disciplinary process, while prioritising the safety and wellbeing of all learners at the school.” She added that counselling and psychosocial support were provided to affected learners.
The department also appealed to the public to stop sharing the video, stressing the protection of minors. “We remind the public of our collective responsibility to protect minors and uphold their right to privacy and safety,” Hammond said.
The disciplinary outcome has been welcomed by advocacy groups and the victim’s family. Vanessa Le Roux, founder of Parents for Equal Education South Africa, described the recommendation as a step toward accountability.
“That feels like justice. The institutions of learning have no place for criminality and bullying behaviour,” she said. “Hopefully this is a wake-up call to these young men, to teach them that every decision has consequences,” reported EWN.
Earlier in the case, a parent of one of the victims also appealed for restraint amid widespread commentary online, saying misinformation had worsened the situation. “People are jumping on the bandwagon. They are spreading heaps of misinformation and lies. Everyone thinks they know the story, but no one was actually there,” the parent said, according to EWN.
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
