Eight students from Milnerton High School in Cape Town, have been suspended following a viral video showing the brutal classroom assault of a 16-year-old cancer survivor, igniting national outrage and renewed scrutiny of racial tensions in South African schools.

The disturbing footage, believed to have been filmed around October 16, shows the Grade 10 black learner being repeatedly beaten with a hockey stick, hose pipe, and belt by a group of coloured pupils—some of whom are representative rugby players—while others cheer and record the attack. The victim, who had recently completed chemotherapy, has since been withdrawn from the school for his safety, according to his family.

The Western Cape Education Department announced precautionary suspensions on October 22, with formal disciplinary hearings to follow. “This behaviour does not reflect the values or ethos of Milnerton High School,” the department stated, adding that counseling services are now available for affected students.

National Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has coordinated with provincial authorities to ensure swift disciplinary action, while urging the public not to circulate the video to protect the minors involved and prevent further trauma.

Parliament’s Select Committee on Education, Sciences and the Creative Industries expressed “sadness” over the incident but went further, with chairperson Makhi Feni condemning the assault as racially motivated. “What the coloured learners were doing is a daily reality for black South African children,” Feni said, referencing similar cases at Pinelands High, Pretoria Girls High, and Fish Hoek High. He criticized the school governing body’s initial hesitation and called for the Department of Basic Education to reclassify the incident as racism rather than bullying.

Protests erupted outside Milnerton High on Wednesday morning, with parents, activists, and community members demanding accountability. Police deployed tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd as tensions escalated.

Amnesty International South Africa described the video as “deeply disturbing,” calling for immediate justice and emphasizing that schools must remain safe havens. The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union echoed the condemnation, labeling the attack “unacceptable.”

In a related development, SA Rugby president Mark Alexander denounced the violence, noting that one of the assailants had represented South Africa in schools rugby. “Bullies are not welcome in our sport,” Alexander said, reaffirming rugby’s core values of discipline and respect.

As investigations continue, the case has sparked a national debate on school safety, racial integration, and the role of sports programs in shaping youth behavior. Social media has been flooded with calls for expulsions and systemic reforms. While Milnerton High has faced previous bullying allegations, officials insist this incident marks a turning point.