The big story this week took place at Milnerton High School in Cape Town. A shocking video showing a 16‑year‑old Grade 10 learner being assaulted by his classmates went viral, triggered national outrage, protests and yes, even police stun grenades.
The two‑minute clip shows the boy being beaten with a belt, stick and hose‑pipe while others record and laugh. The victim can be heard begging for the attack to stop. The footage sparked widespread horror among parents, activists and the public.
According to reports, he was one of several pupils allegedly targeted in what some are calling a violent initiation ritual. Some of the attackers are said to be part of the school’s First Team Rugby squad.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED), which has oversight of the public school, responded by suspending eight Grade 11 learners pending disciplinary hearings. WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said counselling was being offered and urged the public not to share the video, warning that it violates the victim’s rights and worsens the trauma.
Things escalated on Wednesday when angry parents and community members gathered outside the school demanding accountability. Tensions quickly rose when police used stun grenades and shields to disperse the crowd. Protesters accused the school of ignoring years of complaints about bullying and favouritism, particularly referring to the Rugby squad, and general reluctance from the school to punish athletes.
Police have opened a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm against the eight pupils. The 17 and 18-year-olds are expected to appear in Cape Town Magistrate’s Court today, after handing themselves over to the police this morning.
The incident has reignited long‐standing concerns about school safety and the prevalence of hazing or bullying, especially in environments where sport culture is intense and oversight is weak. Parliament’s education committee chair, Joy Maimela, said the incident was not just bullying but assault and a criminal offence.
Now, Milnerton High’s leadership faces a reckoning. Parents want transparency. Learners want safety. And the country wants proof that accountability will not fade once the outrage does.
