Activist cautions against investigation of alleged bullying victim at Milnerton High

An education activist has called for caution after the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) indicated that an alleged victim of assault at Milnerton High School is being investigated for bullying.

READ: Bullying continues to undermine ‘safety, dignity & mental health’ of pupils - Parly’s Maimela

The investigation follows a viral video that showed the 16-year-old learner being beaten by a group of older boys from the school.

Eight Grade 11 learners appeared in court last week on charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm related to the incident. The WCED confirmed that the Grade 10 learner, who was allegedly assaulted by the group of Grade 11 learners, is now the subject of a separate bullying investigation.

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed the dual investigation.

"There has been allegations of bullying raised against the victim in the first video, which is also being investigated and is part of the disciplinary process," Hammond said.

Vanessa Le Roux, spokesperson for Parents for Equal Education, cautioned against the department's investigation.

Le Roux questioned the alleged attackers' actions, regardless of the victim's potential conduct. "Even if he was bullying another child, why did they choose to take this into their own hands by assaulting other children," Le Roux asked.

Hammond confirmed the school will determine possible sanctions for the accused learners after holding disciplinary hearings. Following this, the head of the WCED will make the final decision on whether expulsion is warranted.