Milnerton High School 'bullying' now under police investigation

POLICE are investigating a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after a 16-year-old Grade 10 learner was filmed being beaten with sticks at a high school in Milnerton. 

The incident is believed to be part of an initiation ritual, during which several Grade 10 learners were assaulted allegedly by Grade 11 boys, with some identified as members of the school’s first-team rugby squad.

In the video, a boy is seen being beaten with a stick while his peers watch. The attack is said to have taken place on October 16.

“My son, a Grade 10 student at Milnerton High School, has been subjected to bullying, physical assault, harassment, and emotional abuse by a group of boys, including members of the school’s Rugby First Team. These 18-year-olds, who should embody strength, discipline, and leadership, have instead chosen to intimidate and harm others. I’m speaking out for my son and for every student who has been silenced, dismissed, or ignored. To Milnerton High School in Cape Town: it is your duty to protect your students,” said a note attributed to the boy’s mother. 

UDM MP, Nqabayomzi Kwankwa who is supporting the mother, said reports indicate that several learners were struck with various objects, including hockey sticks, during this so-called initiation. 

“One learner sustained serious injuries and required medical attention, while others remain traumatised. 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. The recording shows a group of older learners in sports attire surrounding and striking younger pupils while others looked on and encouraged the abuse. This reinforces the urgent need for accountability not only from the perpetrators but also from the school authorities who failed to  prevent or detect such behaviour,” Kwankwa said.  

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said no arrests had been made. 

“Milnerton police are investigating an assault to cause grievous bodily harm case involving a 16-year-old learner at a Secondary School in Milnerton. The incident is said to have occurred on 16 October 2025, at about 2:40pm. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation,” said Twigg. 

The school was made aware of the video on October 17, and initiated an investigation immediately, according to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). 

“The matter was also immediately reported to the WCED and the parents of the identified learners notified. Counselling support was provided to the affected learners. 

"This is an ongoing process with the school following all the necessary protocols and procedures as reported to the WCED. We urge members of the public to refrain from further sharing or distributing the video,” said WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond. 

Teddy Bear Foundation Clinical Director Dr Shaheda Omar, said preventing and responding to bullying requires a united, consistent and compassionate approach from both home and school.

"Violent or bullying behaviour from boys towards their peers can stem from a range of psychological, social and environmental factors. It's important to understand these factors and take restorative and preventative steps " 

These factors included boys mimicking aggressive role models, peer pressure, rigid gender norms, and unresolved emotional and psychological issues, among others. 

To create a safe school environment, she said: "There must be clear anti-bullying policies which have to be clearly articulated, communicated, where every person within the school community understands it, whether it's a learner, staff, parents. There needs to be leaflets and posters posted everywhere and visible for everybody to see and be reminded. Then disciplinary measures are the second key, where there needs to be progressive discipline, warnings, restorative conversations, parent meetings, suspension only as a last resort, and the most important thing is to avoid naming and shaming or harsh punishment that can backfire.”