The Western Cape Department of Education (WCED) is considering the possible expulsion of seven Milnerton High School learners following the high-profile bullying incident that rocked the country, leading to criminal charges against the pupils.
A spokesperson from the WCED, Bronagh Hammond, confirmed that the school’s internal disciplinary process has been finalised.
“The disciplinary hearing concluded in December. The Disciplinary Committee of the school recommended the expulsion of seven learners,” he stated.
The recommendation documents were sent to the Western Cape Education Department last week, and will now be considered by the Head of Department of the WCED.
This disciplinary action comes from the widely circulated video depicting a 16-year-old Grade 10 learner being assaulted by his peers in October last year. The footage spread like wildfire on social media, showing the 16-year-old being slapped, punched and humiliated during the bullying incident. Some of the accused learners are allegedly members of the school’s First Team Rugby squad.
Eight learners were then charged last year in October with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. They first appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on 23 October 2025, with six appearing in Court 26 and two juveniles appearing in Court 19.
However, bail was granted with strict conditions, including that they may not return to the school premises, have no contact with the complainants or witnesses, and surrender their cellphones to investigators. The case was postponed to allow the accused to write their final examinations, with the WCED arranging an alternative venue while they studied at home.
The learners appeared in court today, Tuesday, January 20, and the matter has been postponed to March 11, 2026.
WATCH | Eight learners from Milnerton High School are expected to appear in the Cape Town Magistrates court today on charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. pic.twitter.com/fw0QSAF6yS
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 20, 2026
Parents of learners at Milnerton High previously expressed concern about safety at the school, pushing for the accused to be immediately expelled. However, the final decision on whether the seven learners will be expelled now rests with the Head of Department of the WCED.
Also see: Mother of Milnerton pupil wants bullies to face full might of the law
Feature Image: Gettys
