By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The eight grade eleven pupils who were suspended from Milnerton High School in Cape Town, are set to appear in court for assaulting 16-year-old pupil at the school.
They face charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
A video showing a horrific assault at Milnerton High School last week, has been widely shared on social media.
Several boys are seen repeatedly hitting a fellow pupil with various objects, including a hockey stick, hose pipe and belt.
Angry parents gathered outside the school on Wednesday in protest and were dispersed by police firing tear gas.
They were joined by members of political parties who announced planned demonstrations at the school.
SA Police Services (SAPS) confirmed that the suspects, aged between 17 and 18, face serious criminal charges.
“Eight suspects between 17 and 18 will make a court appearance in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court today, on a charge of assault to cause grievous bodily harm,” Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg said.
Bullying in schools is a significant problem in South Africa, with videos depicting the violent attacks often going viral. This latest clip is among the most horrific to emerge in recent years.
The mother of the 16-year-old boy being attacked in the video said, that her son had cancer and had completed his chemotherapy earlier this year.
“My child had just beaten cancer [only] for something like this to happen to him,” she said.
Meanwhile the education ministry said it had been in contact with the Western Cape education department, which has oversight over the school, and confirmed that they will visit the school today.
The provincial department said it was “treating the matter with the seriousness it warrants”.
Both bodies have urged the public not to share the video of the assault or details of those involved, saying that this “not only exacerbates the trauma experienced by the victim but also undermines the rights and dignity of all the [pupils] involved”.