
A disturbing video showing a Grade 10 learner from Milnerton High School being assaulted by a group of senior boys—allegedly members of the school’s rugby team—has ignited national outrage and calls for decisive action against bullying in schools.
The incident reportedly took place on Thursday, 16 October 2025, and has since gone viral, prompting widespread condemnation from parents, the public, and political figures. One of the alleged perpetrators has been identified as Western Province and SA Schools Under-20 rugby player, **Briint Davids**.
In the video, the 16-year-old victim is seen being physically attacked and mocked while several onlookers record the assault instead of intervening. The footage, shared across social media, has been described as “deeply distressing” and “symptomatic of a toxic sports culture” that enables bullying under the guise of team hierarchy.
### **Mother Speaks Out Against School Inaction**
The victim’s mother has accused Milnerton High School of negligence, alleging that her son had endured months of bullying and intimidation by older rugby players. Despite her repeated complaints, she claims the school failed to take meaningful action.
“My son, a Grade 10 learner, has been subjected to bullying, physical assault, harassment, and emotional abuse by a group of boys, including some members of the First Team Rugby,” she said. “These 18-year-olds, who should represent leadership and discipline, have instead used their positions to intimidate others. Milnerton High has a duty to protect its students.”
https://x.com/Abramjee/status/1980600039530496313?t=iz7osBeNR5vgPdxBhR7qAA&s=19
Although the allegations have not been formally verified by the school, they have triggered fierce debate over whether schools adequately address abuse by senior learners, particularly within prestigious sports teams.
### **Public and Political Reaction**
The **United Democratic Movement (UDM)** MP **Nqabayomzi Kwankwa** was among the first to highlight the incident publicly. Sharing the video online, he condemned the assault and called for the Western Cape Education Department to hold both the school and the perpetrators accountable.
“This is not just bullying—it’s a criminal act,” Kwankwa said. “We will ensure justice is served and that this case becomes a turning point in how our schools handle violence.”
Community members and social media users have expressed outrage, demanding disciplinary action against those involved. “Bullying is not a rite of passage—it’s a violation of human dignity,” said concerned citizen **Trudy Van Noie**, urging the victim’s parents to pursue justice and accountability.
### **Police and Department Response**
Police spokesperson **Sergeant Wesley Twigg** confirmed that a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm has been opened. The investigation is ongoing, and as of yet, no arrests have been made. The **Western Cape Department of Education** has also been approached for comment but has not released an official statement.
### **Calls for Change in School Sports Culture**
The incident has sparked renewed discussion about toxic masculinity and unchecked aggression within school sports. Many South Africans have compared the situation to the positive example set by **Springbok captain Siya Kolisi**, who has been vocal in his fight against bullying.
In a viral video earlier this year, Kolisi encouraged a young boy who had been bullied, saying, “Tell those boys I’m coming for them. Be strong and never let anyone break your spirit.” His words have since become a rallying cry for kindness and resilience among young South Africans.
As investigations continue, the Milnerton High bullying case stands as a stark reminder of the urgent need for stronger school oversight, accountability, and a cultural shift toward compassion and respect in youth sports.