BULLY BEEF

A shocking video of a Grade 10 learner from Milnerton High School being assaulted by a group of boys has sparked renewed calls for stronger action against school bullying.

The incident is believed to have taken place on 16 October, shortly after school hours, and the video began circulating on social media days later.

The video shows the 16-year-old being geslaan with what looks like a pipe, before another laaitie lines up to hit him with a hockey stick as others cheer in the changing room.

Later in the two-minute clip, he is repeated hit by other belt-wielding learners and called a 'dom n***". 

The incident was brought to public attention by a member of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, who posted the video on Facebook along with a statement from the victim’s mother.

In the statement, she accuses Milnerton High School of failing to intervene or protect her son despite repeated reports of bullying.

“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 some members of the school’s Rugby First Team,” the mother said.

“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.”

Public outrage continues to grow, with many South Africans condemning the behaviour captured in the video and demanding urgent action. Commenting on the video, concerned citizen Trudy Van Noie urged the victim’s family not to back down in their pursuit of justice.

“We must hold institutions accountable. We must demand that no child is left to endure abuse under the false belief that it's part of growing up or being a junior in school, or worse, that it's somehow deserved.

"Bullying is not a rite of passage. It’s a violation of dignity. And silence in the face of that is complicity,” she said

Police have confirmed that a criminal case has been opened.

Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said: "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 circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation, and no arrests have been made yet.”

Kwankwa said the UDM would continue to push for accountability.

“The UDM is doing its best to get to the bottom of this,” he said.