WCED calls for calm after assault video at Milnerton High School

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has urged the public to stop circulating a video showing a Grade 10 pupil from Milnerton High School being physically and verbally assaulted by a group of boys on school grounds.

The footage, which surfaced last week, shows the 16-year-old victim being attacked while other pupils looked on, sparking widespread outrage and renewed calls for stronger action against school bullying on social media.

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed that the school became aware of the video on Friday, October 17, and immediately launched an internal investigation. 

The matter was also reported to the department, and the parents of the pupils involved were notified, she said.

“The school has initiated an investigation, with interviews already underway and expected to conclude this week. Disciplinary processes will follow once the investigation is complete. Counselling support has been provided to those affected.”

Ms Hammond appealed to the public to act responsibly by not sharing the footage further.

“Circulating such content only deepens the trauma for the victim and violates their right to dignity and privacy. We urge individuals to remove the video from social media and report any further circulation as harmful content.”

Provincial police spokesman Sergeant Wesley Twigg said Milnerton police are investigating a case of assault to cause grievous bodily harm involving a 16-year-old pupil.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, with no arrests made,” he said.

Tabletalk reached out to the school for comment, but all questions were referred to the WCED.