R2000 bail for Milnerton High pupils accused of assault

Six Milnerton High School learners, accused of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, have been granted bail of R2000 each, while two others have been released on a warning.

On Thursday, the group of boys aged between 17 and 18, appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court. They are facing charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm following a disturbing incident on October 16, 2025, where a 16-year-old Grade 10 student was violently assaulted by a group of older learners. 

The assault was captured on video and widely circulated on social media, sparking national outrage and calls for accountability.

On Wednesday the Western Cape Education Department confirmed that all learners involved were placed on precautionary suspension and will now face formal disciplinary hearings in accordance with the relevant disciplinary procedures.

Meanwhile,  Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has called for immediate intervention following the incident, which involves some top rugby players.

One of the alleged perpetrators has represented South Africa at national level in schools rugby.

McKenzie said he has consulted the South African Rugby Union (SARU) to find the appropriate way forward, noting that school rugby falls under the Department of Basic Education rather than SARU’s authority.

He has called for decisive action to send a clear message that bullying has no place in schools and that sports stars must be held to a higher standard of accountability and not be granted protection.

President of SA Rugby,Mark Alexander said this type of behaviour has no place in society and would never be tolerated in a rugby environment.

“Individuals who engage in bullying are not welcome in our sport, which prides itself on respect and integrity, regardless of its physical nature. I urge all young men and women aspiring to build a future in rugby to heed this warning: bullying is totally unacceptable," said Alexander.