South Africa has reacted in outrage following a video on social media showing a pupil being beaten by fellow learners at Milnerton High School in Cape Town last week.

The Witness reports that, in a disturbing video circulating on social media, a group of schoolboys in uniform can be seen taking turns hitting a 16-year-old learner using various objects, including a belt and a hockey stick, in what appears to be a locker room on the school premises.

In a statement issued this morning by Bronagh Hammond, the director of communication of the Western Cape Education Department, it was confirmed that, following the initial findings, the school governing body has 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.

The United Democratic Movement (UDM) deputy president and leader in Parliament, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, condemned the attack. He said that 10 Grade 10 learners were brutally 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.

The recording shows some learners posing and dancing for the camera while the assault happens.

Kwankwa added that the UDM welcomed confirmation from Western Cape provincial commissioner of police, Lieutenant General Thembisile Pathekile, that a criminal investigation into the incident is underway.

The party also noted the assurance from Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier, that disciplinary measures are being implemented after Kwankwa raised the matter with him.”

Condemnation of the attack

The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Joy Maimela, expressed utter horror over the viral video.

Maimela said the committee condemned the pupils’ behaviour.

“[What occurred] is not merely bullying but borders on assault – a criminal offence that demands urgent and decisive action from all relevant authorities.”

Many on social media also reacted with anger, calling for the arrest of the attackers.

Investigations

Western Cape police media liaison officer Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed the incident took place on October 16.

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

The Western Cape Education Department said in its statement that the school has ‘reported that it is following all necessary protocols and procedures and is treating the matter with the seriousness it warrants’.

“We also wish to highlight that Grade 12 learners at Milnerton High School are currently writing their National Senior Certificate examinations. While this incident has caused significant distress, every effort is being made to ensure that all learners are able to write their exams in a calm and secure environment,” said Hammond.

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