Eight students from Milnerton High School in Cape Town, South Africa, have been suspended following the circulation of a video depicting a violent classroom assault. The incident, which occurred last week, has sparked widespread outrage across the country.

The video footage shows a group of boys repeatedly striking a 16-year-old classmate with a belt, a hosepipe, and a hockey stick, while others watch and record the attack. The victim, who had recently completed cancer treatment, is heard pleading for the assault to stop. According to the boy’s mother, he had “just beaten cancer” before suffering the violent attack. His uncle has since confirmed that the boy has been removed from the school for safety reasons.

The incident has prompted a strong reaction from the community, with parents and political activists gathering outside the school to protest its handling of the situation. The demonstration turned violent, with police using tear gas and stun grenades to disperse the crowd. Amnesty International South Africa has described the video as “deeply disturbing” and called for immediate action against those involved.

The Education Ministry has announced that it is working with the Western Cape Education Department to investigate the incident and ensure that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken. Officials and rights groups have urged the public not to share the footage, citing concerns that it could exacerbate the victim’s trauma and violate the rights of the minors depicted.

The incident has highlighted concerns about school safety and the need for effective measures to prevent and respond to violence in educational institutions. As the investigation into the incident continues, officials are under pressure to demonstrate their commitment to protecting students and providing a safe learning environment. The Western Cape Education Department has a responsibility to ensure that schools in the region are safe and supportive, and that incidents like this are prevented from happening in the future.