Milnerton High School assault case postponed as investigation into serious incident continues

The case against six learners from Milnerton High School who are not minors has been postponed to March to allow for further investigation involving photographic evidence, the National Prosecuting Authority has confirmed.

NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said key investigative steps are still outstanding. “The consultation with the victims and downloading of photographs are still outstanding,” he said.

The accused’s bail has been extended, with all bail conditions remaining unchanged.

The two accused who are minors have not yet appeared in court and are expected to be dealt with separately in Court 19 (Children’s Court). Ntabazalila said an update would be provided once their appearance has been concluded.

The matter involves eight learners charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following an incident in October 2025 that was later widely circulated on social media. Six adult accused have been appearing in Court 26, while the two juveniles are being processed separately.

Bail was previously unopposed but subject to strict conditions aimed at protecting complainants and witnesses. These include a prohibition on any form of contact, direct or indirect, an instruction that the accused must immediately remove themselves should they encounter complainants, and a ban on entering the school premises until the case is finalised.

As part of the investigation, the accused were ordered to hand over their cellphones and PINs. Further conditions prohibit intimidation and require the accused to refrain from criminal activity while the case is pending.

The case stems from a video allegedly showing older learners assaulting a younger pupil during what was described as an initiation ritual, sparking widespread public outrage and renewed debate around school violence.

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