The EFF Youth Command protested outside Milnerton High School on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, after a group of older males attacked a Grade 10 student. Image by Carlo Petersen/EWN.
(The Post News) – Following the vicious attack on a Grade 10 student, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Youth Command, parents, and community people organized a protest outside Milnerton High School on Wednesday, demanding accountability. Tensions grew as police used stun grenades to break up the gathering. Allegations of chronic bullying and a culture of tolerance at the school have been triggered by a viral video that captured the assault, sparking national outrage and motivating the protest.
Viral Assault Video
A group of older boys are seen slapping, punching, and humiliating a 16-year-old Grade 10 student in a video that was allegedly recorded on October 16. There have been claims that the assault may have been a part of an initiation ceremony and that the attackers include members of the school’s First Team Rugby squad.
School and Police Response
- Suspensions: Eight Grade 11 students who were reportedly involved in the attack were placed on temporary suspension, according to confirmation from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). They will be subject to hearings for disciplinary action.
- Criminal Investigation: Police have confirmed a case of assault has been opened and an investigation is underway.
- Victim’s Health: A colleague of the victim’s mother revealed heartbreaking details, stating the boy is a cancer survivor who spent four months in the hospital fighting the illness, adding a layer of cruelty to the attack.
Approximately 50 members of the EFF Youth Command, along with concerned parents and community members, gathered outside the school on Wednesday morning, demanding answers from the principal.
EFF Youth Command Convenor Simankeli Mtheli stated the protest was in solidarity with the victim and to demand accountability, accusing the school of only acting after the video went viral. The group claims the incident was reported last Friday, but the school only took action on Tuesday.
When protesters tried to address the principal, their demonstration turned into chaos. The principal was accused by protesters of avoiding interaction and supposedly leaving with police support. After that, police stepped in and pushed the crowd back with stun grenades.
In the middle of the chaos, Genius Mnywabe, the father of another Grade 10 pupil, appealed to the protesters to be “mindful of pupils writing exams.” While supporting the right to protest, he urged consideration for the other students. He also called for broader measures to address school bullying across the Western Cape.
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