Six Milnerton High School pupils accused of bullying to appeal expulsion

Six former Milnerton High School learners who were expelled for alleged bullying are appealing the school governing body and the Western Cape Education Department's (WCED) decision.

The boys made a brief appearance in Cape Town Magistrate's Court, where they face various counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, on Wednesday.

The charges relate to at least eight incidents of alleged assault at the school, including a video that went viral on social media, sparking nationwide outrage.

The six accused pupils were hauled before court in October last year after a viral video showed them attacking a 16-year-old learner.

ALSO READ: Assault case involving 6 former Milnerton High learners postponed

Six expelled Milnerton High learners to appear in court

Two minors, who face the same charges, are attending proceedings in the child justice court.

Last month, the Western Cape Education Department confirmed that the department upheld a recommendation by the school governing body to expel six learners from the school.

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond says five of the expelled learners are in grade 12 and one is in grade 10.

"The six learners have subsequently appealed this decision, which is now being considered by the provincial minister as the final appeal authority."

All of the accused learners will be back in court on 24 April.