Education watchdogs accuse Milnerton High School officials of dishonesty over bullying incident

A viral video showing a learner being brutally assaulted at Milnerton High School has sparked outrage among parents and the wider community, with claims that the school and government misled parents about their response to the incident.

Eight learners, including two minors, appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Thursday in connection with the incident, which has ignited calls for urgent and decisive action against bullying.

While six adult learners were granted R2000 bail each, the two minors were released on a warning. According to the National Prosecuting Authority, strict bail conditions include exclusion zones around the school and prohibitions on contacting the complainants.

“They are prohibited from entering the school yard or the school until the case is finalised. If they see the complainants, they must walk in a different direction,” said spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila. The accused are also required to hand over their cellphones and PINs to the investigating officer. 

Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed the victim is also under investigation for alleged bullying, with a disciplinary process underway. 

However, parents and advocacy groups have dismissed this as an attempt to deflect attention.

Vanessa le Roux, spokesperson for Parents for Equal Education, said she was alarmed that officials were investigating the victim in the viral video for being a “bully,” based on edited clips where he allegedly fought back.

“The incident where he was beaten with the weapons was one of three incidents that we saw on video, on different occasions. He reported it, and nothing was done,” she said. “We saw the entire videos, not in one of these videos were he the aggressor, in fact in two of them. He just took the beating, this one he actually fought back.”

Le Roux added that the National Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, the Human Rights Commission which met on October 23 at the school following the outrage, cited that the school, and the WCED were “caught in all their lies” during a recent meeting with parents.

“They were so arrogant, they actually lied in the presence of these parents! I hope the HRC charge you for perjury! They lied in their statement, saying that they were in contact with the Parents. Not once did they make contact until the morning of the visit; there was no psychological assistance as they said in their statement. They were caught in their lies. ‘K’ was not the only victim. There were other victims too; we have met their parents.”

The case now involves eight complainants, with additional videos surfacing showing further incidents of bullying.

Hammond confirmed these cases are being addressed through the school’s disciplinary hearings. Meanwhile, parents staged a protest outside the school, joined by members of the ANC Youth League and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), which was dispersed by Public Order Police using teargas and stun grenades. No injuries were reported. 

The court has postponed the case until January 20 to allow the accused time to prepare for exams. In the meantime, the learners will study from home while alternative exam venues are provided.

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