CAPE TOWN – Eight learners from Milnerton High School, accused of multiple counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, are scheduled to return to the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court today (Tuesday 20 January).
Six of the accused were granted bail while the two under-age learners involved remained under parental supervision. Following their release all eight were prohibited from returning to the school premises. Alternative venue arrangements have been made for them to complete their final exams.
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila 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,” he said.
Additionally, the learners were required to surrender their cellphones, which are now held as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
School disciplinary actions underway
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is reviewing disciplinary measures following the school’s internal hearing on the matter. Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed the school’s disciplinary committee recommended the expulsion of six learners involved in the incidents, with one outcome still to be determined.
“The school completed its disciplinary hearing in December,” said Hammond. “The recommendation for expulsion has been forwarded to the WCED Head of Department for consideration.”
The affected learners are attending classes online, and special arrangements have been made regarding the submission of tasks, assessments and homework. “The school has initiated a number of anti-bullying interventions,” Hammond said, “and are currently reviewing their vision and values with a specific emphasis on a zero-tolerance approach to bullying.”
Background to the case
The legal proceedings stem from a highly-publicised incident last October involving a 16-year-old Grade 10 learner, who was subjected to a brutal assault by fellow learners. Video footage of the attack circulated widely on social media, sparking national outrage. Some of the accused are reported to be members of the school’s First Team Rugby squad.
Eight victims have come forward with complaints against the accused, describing various incidents of assault that occurred at Milnerton High School.
The accused initially appeared in court on 23 October 2025. The case was adjourned to allow the learners to write their final exams, with WCED facilitating an alternative exam venue to accommodate this.
