WCED pleads with public to stop sharing Milnerton High assault video

TRIGGER WARNING: THE FOLLOWING STORY CONTAINS DETAILS OF MINORS BEING ASSAULTED

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has urged the public not to distribute a video showing a group of learners assaulting another learner at Milnerton High School.

Department officials made the plea because the video contains minors and is being distributed without their consent. The WCED also confirmed that more than one learner was assaulted during the incident.

The video, which is going viral on social media platforms, shows a group of Milnerton High School learners beating another learner with belts, a hose pipe, and a large stick. Two other learners were allegedly assaulted during the same incident.

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Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed thatinvestigations are underway.

"The school has initiated an investigation, with interviews already being conducted. Interviews are ongoing and will be concluded this week. Disciplinary processes going forward will then be determined. Counselling support was provided to the affected learners," Hammond said.

The WCED has urged the public to refrain from distributing the video.

"This has already been a traumatic experience for the victims concerned and further distribution undermines their right to dignity and privacy," Hammond stated.

Hammond also appealed to the public to remove the video from social media platforms and report it as harmful content.

Western Cape police said they are investigating a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm related to an incident at Milnerton High School.

Police spokesperson Wesley Twigg said investigators are probing the matter.

"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."

Milnerton High School's principal has since assured parents that the incident is actively being addressed.