Eight learners from Milnerton High School appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on assault charges on Thursday, 23 October.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed on Wednesday that the eight students had been placed under precautionary suspension pending formal disciplinary hearings and the police investigation.
This comes after a disturbing video, which circulated widely across social media platforms, shows a learner being assaulted by a group of fellow students in what appears to be a coordinated attack on the school grounds.
National Prosecution Authority spokesperson, Eric Ntabazilila, said six of the accused are facing eight charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The other two suspects appeared separately as they are juveniles.
The court set bail at R2000 for each of the accused, which the state did not oppose, said Ntabazilila.
As part of their bail conditions, they must not contact the complainants and witnesses. They are prohibited from entering the school premises and must hand over their mobile phones and their PINs.
The case has been postponed until 20 January to allow the accused to write exams. They will be allowed to write at an alternative venue arranged by the WCED, according to the Metro North District office.
Even though only two are minors, the court ordered that the identity of the accused may not be published.
SA Rugby President Mark Alexander has issued a scathing condemnation of a bullying incident at Milnerton High School that went viral on social media this week, revealing that one of the alleged perpetrators has represented South Africa at national schools rugby level.
