The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has defended Milnerton High School, saying it followed proper procedure after reports of alleged bullying emerged last week.
The department’s statement comes amid claims that the school failed to act appropriately following the incident, which led to the arrest of eight Grade 11 learners.
The pupils appeared before the Cape Town Magistrates Court last week on charges of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The case stems from an alleged attack on a Grade 10 learner at the school.
Parents for Equal Education spokesperson Vanessa le Roux has accused the school of neglecting to intervene to prevent bullying, saying there were multiple videos showing learners being assaulted.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond dismissed the claims, saying the school had reported the incident promptly and followed the required procedures.
Hammond said disciplinary hearings would now take place, after which recommendations for sanctions would be submitted to the department’s head for a decision on whether expulsion is appropriate.
