Parents and activists rage after horrific Milnerton High assault

Tensions escalated outside Milnerton High School on Wednesday afternoon after Public Order Police used stun grenades to disperse a group of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Youth Command members who were demonstrating against a violent bullying incident at the school.

This was sparked by the circulation of a disturbing video showing a Grade 10 learner being repeatedly assaulted with hockey sticks by a group of older boys.

The footage sparked outrage across the country, prompting calls for accountability and action against those involved.

Concerned parents were seen arriving at the school to fetch their children, with many expressing fears about safety on the premises.

It has since been confirmed that eight pupils have been placed on precautionary suspension. The School Governing Body (SGB) approved the suspensions pending formal disciplinary hearings.

Police have also opened an assault case, while the Western Cape Education Department has launched an internal investigation into the incident.

EFF Youth Command members gathered outside the school, demanding justice for the victim and calling for stronger action from the school’s leadership.

“We are unequivocally stating that if the roles were reversed, had this violence been directed at white learners, the response from the school would have been immediate and severe. The normalisation of violence and humiliation towards Black children in spaces of learning is unacceptable and must be confronted without fear or hesitation,” the organisation said in a statement.

The EFF Youth Command further described the assault as “clear physical abuse” and a violation of the National Education Policy Act, calling for strict disciplinary action against the offenders.

“This behaviour cannot be excused or hidden under the pretext that the offenders are ‘first team rugby players’,” the statement added.

Patriotic Alliance member Liam Jacobs took to social media and condemned the assault, calling for cultural and behavioural change in schools.

“Again! Never again! We must make sure that what happened at Milnerton High School never finds expression in our schools ever again. Come out. Tell your story. Let’s break the cycle and show the world what real masculinity and manhood can be. We owe it to the future that’s ahead of us,” said Jacobs.

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in the Western Cape described the incident as “deplorable and deeply concerning”, urging the school to act swiftly.

“SADTU advocates for schools to be safe havens for learners, teachers and support staff. This violent action will leave the victim both emotionally and physically scarred,” the union said.

SADTU called for the immediate suspension of the offenders, a formal disciplinary process and free counselling for both the victim and witnesses. The union also urged the Education Department to roll out anti-bullying programmes across schools.

Civil society group Women For Change also weighed in, urging schools to adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward violence and bullying.

“No child should ever endure such brutality, especially in a place meant to nurture, educate and protect them. We stand firmly with the victim, their family and every learner who deserves to feel safe, seen and supported,” the organisation said.

Tensions ran high outside Milnerton High School on Wednesday afternoon after Public Order Police used stun grenades to disperse a group of Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Youth Command members who were making a demonstration against a violent bullying incident at the school.

This was parked by the circulation of a disturbing video showing a Grade 10 learner being repeatedly assaulted with hockey sticks by a group of older boys.

The footage sparked outrage across the country, prompting calls for accountability and action against those involved.

Concerned parents were seen arriving at the school to fetch their children, with many expressing fears about safety on the premises.

It has since been confirmed that eight pupils have been placed on precautionary suspension. The School Governing Body (SGB) approved the suspensions pending formal disciplinary hearings.

Police have also opened an assault case, while the Western Cape Education Department has launched an internal investigation into the incident.

EFF Youth Command members gathered outside the school, demanding justice for the victim and calling for stronger action from the school’s leadership.

“We are unequivocally stating that if the roles were reversed, had this violence been directed at white learners, the response from the school would have been immediate and severe. The normalisation of violence and humiliation towards Black children in spaces of learning is unacceptable and must be confronted without fear or hesitation,” the organisation said in a statement.

The EFF Youth Command further described the assault as “clear physical abuse” and a violation of the National Education Policy Act, calling for strict disciplinary action against the offenders.

“This behaviour cannot be excused or hidden under the pretext that the offenders are ‘first team rugby players’,” the statement added.

Patriotic Alliance member Liam Jacobs took to social media and condemned the assault, calling for cultural and behavioural change in schools.

“Again! Never again! We must make sure that what happened at Milnerton High School never finds expression in our schools ever again. Come out. Tell your story. Let’s break the cycle and show the world what real masculinity and manhood can be. We owe it to the future that’s ahead of us,” said Jacobs.

The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) in the Western Cape described the incident as “deplorable and deeply concerning”, urging the school to act swiftly.

“SADTU advocates for schools to be safe havens for learners, teachers and support staff. This violent action will leave the victim both emotionally and physically scarred,” the union said.

SADTU called for the immediate suspension of the offenders, a formal disciplinary process and free counselling for both the victim and witnesses. The union also urged the Education Department to roll out anti-bullying programmes across schools.

Civil society group Women For Change also weighed in, urging schools to adopt a zero-tolerance policy toward violence and bullying.

“No child should ever endure such brutality, especially in a place meant to nurture, educate and protect them. We stand firmly with the victim, their family and every learner who deserves to feel safe, seen and supported,” the organisation said.

Saturday Star