Six learners from Milnerton High School are facing possible expulsion following a violent assault and bullying incident that occurred last year, as criminal and disciplinary proceedings continue.
Eight learners accused of multiple counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 20 January. Six of the accused were granted bail, while two under-age learners remain under parental supervision.
Following their release, all eight were prohibited from returning to the school premises. Alternative arrangements were made for them to complete their final examinations at a separate venue.
Strict bail conditions imposed
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said strict bail conditions were imposed to protect the victims and ensure the integrity of the investigation.
“They are barred from contacting witnesses or complainants, either directly or indirectly, and must avoid any interaction if encountered,” Ntabazalila said.
In addition, the learners were required to surrender their cellphones, which are being held as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
The case against the six learners — not including the two minors — was on the roll at Cape Town Magistrates’ Court 16. It has been postponed until 11 March for further investigation. The State told the court that consultations with victims and the downloading of photographs were still outstanding. Bail was extended and conditions remain unchanged.
The two minors who are co-accused in the matter appeared separately in the Childrens’ Court. Their cases have been postponed for further investigation, with one remanded until 6 February and the other until 11 March.
School disciplinary action underway
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is reviewing disciplinary action following Milnerton High School’s internal hearing.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed that the school’s disciplinary committee has recommended the expulsion of six learners involved in the incidents, with one outcome still to be finalised.
“The school completed its disciplinary hearing in December,” Hammond said. “The recommendation for expulsion has been forwarded to the WCED Head of Department for consideration.”
She added that the affected learners are currently attending classes online, with special arrangements in place for the submission of tasks, assessments and homework.
“The school has initiated a number of anti-bullying interventions and is currently reviewing its vision and values, with a specific emphasis on a zero-tolerance approach to bullying,” Hammond said.
Background to the case
The charges stem from a highly publicised incident in October last year, when a 16-year-old Grade 10 learner was allegedly brutally assaulted by fellow pupils. Video footage of the attack circulated widely on social media, sparking national outrage.
Some of the accused are reportedly members of the school’s first team rugby squad.
To date, eight victims have come forward with complaints against the accused, detailing multiple incidents of assault at the school.
The learners first appeared in court on 23 October 2025. The case was postponed at the time to allow them to complete their final examinations, with the WCED facilitating an alternative exam venue.
