Authorities in South Africa have suspended eight students over allegations of bullying that sparked national outrage.
A video showing the horrific assault that occurred at Milnerton High School in Cape Town last week was widely shared on social media.
Several boys were seen repeatedly hitting fellow students with a variety of objects including hockey sticks, hose pipes and belts. According to reports, the boy was one of nine people who were allegedly assaulted.
Bullying in schools is a serious problem in South Africa, and videos depicting violent attacks often go viral. This latest video is one of the most horrific videos to emerge in recent years.
Groups and political parties are condemning this incident, and the police have confirmed that a case of assault has been filed.
Amnesty International South Africa also called the video “deeply disturbing” and called for “appropriate disciplinary action”.
The international human rights organization said, “No child should have to endure this kind of cruelty in a space where (students) should be safe and protected from danger.”
South Africa’s Ministry of Education said it had contacted the Western Cape Department of Education, which oversees the school, to confirm that the suspended students would face disciplinary action.
The state government said it was “taking this issue seriously.”
Both organizations urged the public not to share video of the assault or details of those involved, saying it “not only exacerbates the trauma experienced by the victims, but undermines the rights and dignity of all (students) involved.”
News24, a South African online publication, spoke via video with the boy’s mother, who said her son was a cancer survivor.
The 16-year-old’s mother told News24 the boy completed chemotherapy earlier this year.
“My child beat cancer (just) for this to happen to him,” she said.
