A Western Cape mother has spoken out after her son, a cancer survivor, became one of nine learners brutally assaulted in the now-infamous Milnerton High School bullying incident. The shocking attack, which was caught on video and circulated widely on social media, has provoked national outrage and raised serious questions about school safety and accountability.
According to reports, the Grade 10 learner had recently completed chemotherapy in January 2025 after battling cancer. His mother revealed that he was one of several junior pupils targeted by senior rugby players, who allegedly ambushed them and forced them into a boys’ bathroom before physically assaulting them. The traumatised teen has since expressed that he never wants to return to Milnerton High, asking instead to be home-schooled.School supplies
Speaking to News24, the mother described her son’s fear and emotional trauma following the attack. “He told me not to tell anyone because he thought he would get into trouble with the boys who did this,” she said. The mother said her child’s confidence and recovery had been shattered, especially after enduring years of medical treatment. “He fought for his life against cancer, and now he has to fight to feel safe at school,” she added.
The viral video, which shows a group of boys being cornered and beaten, has led to widespread condemnation from the public and education authorities. One of the victims’ parents accused the school of neglecting its duty to protect learners, claiming that previous reports of bullying had been ignored. “This is not the first time complaints have been made. The school failed to act, and now our children are traumatised,” she said.
In response, Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education demanded immediate disciplinary and legal action against those involved. Committee chairperson Joy Maimela described the incident as a criminal act that should be treated with urgency. “Bullying and violence in schools are unacceptable and cannot be tolerated. Those responsible must face the consequences,” she stated.
The Western Cape Department of Education has since launched an investigation and issued a statement condemning the violence. “We are deeply disturbed by the incident at Milnerton High School. The department has initiated a full inquiry and will ensure that the matter is addressed in accordance with departmental and legal processes,” the statement read. By the time of publication, Milnerton High had not provided an official comment.
This case follows a disturbing national trend of bullying incidents being caught on camera. In May 2025, seven Johannesburg learners were arrested after a viral video showed them attacking a classmate. The girls, aged between 13 and 14, were charged with common assault and later released into their parents’ custody.
For many South Africans, the Milnerton High case has reignited debates around student discipline, school oversight, and the responsibility of educators to maintain safe learning environments. As investigations continue, the young survivor’s mother says her only hope is that no other child has to endure what her son went through — fighting cancer only to face violence in a place meant to protect him.
