Tension erupted outside Milnerton High School in Cape Town after a video showing a 16-year-old learner being assaulted went viral, prompting protests and a heavy police response.

The protesters gathered to show their outrage over the pupil’s assault.

Speaking to Caxton Network News, Western Cape police media liaison officer Sergeant Wesley Twigg said public order police took action against a crowd of around 150 protesters this afternoon.

“The participants became riotous at the secondary school, and police used stun 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,” he said.

“We appeal to every person who participates in the protests to do so within the ambit of the law.”

Not an isolated incident?

A Facebook user has posted several videos allegedly showing further incidents of abuse at the school. Although the Facebook user’s identity is known to Caxton Network News, neither the videos nor the woman’s identity is being shared to protect the identity of the minors involved.

The Western Cape Education Department said that the new videos were brought to its attention today and sent to the school, which confirmed receipt and said they would be included in their ongoing investigation.

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) deputy president and leader in Parliament, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, condemned the attack. He too said more than one child had been victimised, adding that 10 Grade 10 learners were assaulted in ‘what has been described as an initiation ritual’ carried out by senior boys.

Kwankwa said one learner sustained serious injuries and required medical attention, while others remain traumatised. He said some of the victims have reportedly received threats from those implicated in the attack.

“Video footage circulating on social media appears to confirm that the incident was not an isolated act of bullying, but an organised initiation assault conducted within a school environment,” said Kwankwa.

Learners suspended

In a statement issued this morning by Bronagh Hammond, the director of communication of the Western Cape Education Department, it was confirmed that the school governing body had approved the precautionary suspension of eight learners.

According to the statement, the suspended learners will face formal disciplinary hearings. In addition, counselling and psychosocial support are being provided and will continue to be available to those affected.

Twigg confirmed the incident in the video took place on October 16.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrests have been made yet,” Twigg said.

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