MILLIES 8 BACK IN COURT - Learners return for assault case after school bullying

EIGHT learners from Milnerton High School are expected to return to the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday as the case linked to a widely circulated school assault video continues.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirmed that the accused face eight counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The case stems from a video that circulated in October 2025 showing a group of older learners allegedly assaulting a younger pupil during what was initially described as an initiation ritual.

Senior learners were shown hitting a Grade 8 learner with belts, a wooden log and hockey sticks.

The footage sparked widespread public outrage and reignited debate around school violence and when bullying escalates into criminal conduct.

The learners involved were subsequently suspended and charged. Six adult accused were granted R2,000 bail each, while the two minors were released on warning.

Six of the accused appeared in Court 26, while two juveniles appeared separately in Court 19. Their first court appearance took place on 23 October 2025.

Ntabazalila said: “The accused were released on bail and warning after their first appearance. “This decision was based on the fact that they have fixed addresses, no previous convictions, no outstanding warrants and no pending cases.”

Although bail was unopposed, Ntabazalila said it was accompanied by stringent conditions designed to protect complainants and witnesses. These include a prohibition on any form of contact, whether direct or indirect, and instructions that the accused must immediately remove themselves should they encounter complainants.

He explained: “They are also barred from entering the school premises until the matter is finalised.”

As part of the investigation, the accused were ordered to hand over their cellphones and PINs. Ntabazalila explained: “Five cellphones were surrendered in court. One outstanding device was ordered to be submitted to the investigating officer within 24 hours.”

Further conditions prohibit any form of intimidation and require the accused to refrain from criminal activity while the case is pending.

The matter was postponed to 20 January to allow the accused to complete their final examinations. Ntabazalila confirmed that they were instructed to study from home, with the Western Cape Department of Education making alternative arrangements for them to write exams at the Metro North District Office.