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An empty classroom.
The Western Cape Department of Education says eight boys from Milnerton High School have been suspended.
In a video doing the rounds on social media, it can be seen how a learner is assaulted by other boys with objects like hockey sticks and belts.
Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond says the eight boys are facing a disciplinary hearing.
“The Education Department is liaising with the school, which, after an immediate and initial investigation, have precautionarily suspended eight, who will now face a disciplinary hearing. There will be continued psycho-social and counselling available and we will continue to monitor the situation. The school is treating this with the seriousness it does deserve. We also ask the public to refrain from further distributing the video as we need to protect the minors involved”
The Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has strongly condemned the incident.
Chairperson Joy Maimela says a video showing a boy being beaten with objects is horrific.
Maimela says the incident is a criminal offence.
“We call on the Western Cape education department to urgently intervene and report back to the committee. We are currently awaiting a report by today from the department on the progress made in giving the family and the learner psycho-social support and ensuring that authorities are given support to bring these perpetrators to book.”
