Milnerton High incident reignites concerns over bullying at schools

The viral video of the violent bullying incident at Milnerton High School in Cape Town has sparked outrage on social media, over the apparent lack of accountability and school safety.

In the disturbing footage, a group of boys, some reportedly from the school’s first rugby team—using belts and hockey sticks to assault a Grade 10 learner, while others cheer, record, and verbally abuse the victim.

The incident, which allegedly occurred after school last week, has been widely condemned.

In response, the Western Cape Education Department confirmed that the eight learners involved have been suspended pending an investigation. Officials have also offered psychosocial support to the victim and his family.

STATEMENT: Update on Milnerton HS disciplinary process pic.twitter.com/DWrgIkAvXd

— WCEDNews (@WCEDnews) October 22, 2025

Some social media users are calling for harsher penalties for school-based violence, while others have questioned whether learners accused of such acts should be allowed to return to the classroom.

@tracey_lange

That video isn’t a bullying video, that is assault. I know Milnerton High can’t respond yet, but can we also start asking about the parents of the bullies? Why do we never criticise the parents of the bullies and only look for the fault at the schools? Everyone is responsible and it’s time that everyone bears the brunt of housing bullies: schools and parents

♬ original sound – Tracey Lange

Most of us would be appearing in court this morning if it were our child that were abused like that boy in Milnerton.

— Tumi Sole (@tumisole) October 22, 2025

Two of the bullies from Milnerton High School looked like they had promising rugby careers ahead of them with @WP_RUGBY, only to throw it all away because of their inability to be kind, decent human beings. It’s actually tragic.

— SUPERINFORMATIVE on TikTok (@i_likebrandon) October 21, 2025

Earlier today, Public Order Police fired teargas at a group of parents and community members protesting outside the school. Demonstrators accused the school of failing to prevent the incident and demanded long-term measures to tackle bullying and violence.

Western Cape EFF Youth Command en route to Milnerton High School to demonstrate and make a statement against bullying. pic.twitter.com/OCrPbXAQJl

— EFF_Western Cape (@EFFWesternCape_) October 22, 2025

Speaking to our sister channel eNCA, a resident slammed the police’s response, saying officers had no right to use force against peaceful demonstrators.

The Department of Basic Education said it is closely coordinating with the Western Cape Education Department and reaffirmed its commitment to keeping schools safe for all learners.

#DBENews| Update on the Milnerton High School Bullying Incident

The Department has been in close contact with the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) following a deeply concerning alleged assault at Milnerton High School.

We can confirm the following:
•The school…

— Dep. Basic Education (@DBE_SA) October 22, 2025

Meanwhile, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has strongly condemned the incident and called for a thorough investigation.

The committee also expressed concern about the wider problem of school-based violence.