Western Cape Education Department upholds expulsion of Milnerton High School learners

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has upheld the expulsion of six learners from Milnerton High School following disciplinary proceedings linked to a widely publicised assault case, a decision welcomed by parents’ advocacy group Parents for Equal Education.

WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond confirmed that the Head of Department supported the school governing body’s recommendation after the conclusion of the internal process.

“The Western Cape Education Department can confirm that the Head of Department has upheld the recommendation by the school governing body of Milnerton High School to expel six learners from the school following the outcome of the disciplinary processes,” Hammond said.

Reacting to the decision, Parents for Equal Education’s Vanessa le Roux said the focus must remain on the victims and the broader impact on the school community.

“We always said we want to see justice for the victims, because it’s not only one victim — it’s more than that,” she said. “Many people only saw the clip of the one victim, but there are many more victims.”

Le Roux said the severity of the alleged assaults had brought the school into disrepute and left pupils living in fear. “These children were assaulted on numerous occasions. Most of them are Grade 12s — they knew exactly what they were doing,” she said.

She claimed to have viewed multiple videos linked to the incidents. “I saw all the videos, not just the one child that we saw. The one victim — as he approached, he was walking, and they just made him fall for no reason. You can see how he backs down because he knew he was going to get smacked. And that guy literally smacked him — and that’s criminality.”

“There’s no space for criminals at schools,” Le Roux added. “They are not kids anymore. They are Grade 12s. These children had to go to school every day living in fear — ‘who is going to assault me today?’ So good for them if they were expelled, and I hope no other school takes on these criminals.”

The boys accused of assault faced possible expulsion after an incident in October 2025 that was later widely circulated on social media. The footage shows senior learners allegedly assaulting a 16-year-old Grade 10 pupil with belts, pipes and a wooden plank. Some of the accused are reportedly members of the school’s first team rugby squad.

Eight learners were charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. Six adult accused appeared in court last week, with their matter postponed to March for further investigation. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said key investigative steps, including consultations with victims and the downloading of photographic evidence, were still outstanding. The two accused who are minors are being dealt with separately in the Children’s Court.

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