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Assault and battery

SAHRC Warns Against Hate Speech in Milnerton Bullying Incident

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has issued a warning against the use of hate speech following a complaint from a parent about alleged violations of children's rights during protests at the Milnerton High School. The protests were sparked by a video showing a Grade 10 boy being assaulted by a group of older pupils. Six pupils were charged with assault and released on R2000 bail. The parent has asked the SAHRC to develop guidelines to balance the right to protest with the protection of pupils' constitutional rights and the prosecution of those guilty of hate speech and inciting violence online. The incident has affected the entire school community, with many pupils feeling fearful and being targeted on public transport.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SAHRC has received a complaint from a parent regarding alleged violations of children's rights during protests at Milnerton High School.
  • The protests were sparked by a video showing a Grade 10 boy being assaulted by a group of older pupils.
  • Six pupils were charged with assault in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court and released on R2000 bail.
  • The parent has asked the SAHRC to develop guidelines to balance the right to protest with the protection of pupils' constitutional rights and the prosecution of those guilty of hate speech and inciting violence online.
  • The incident has affected the entire school community, with many pupils feeling fearful and being targeted on public transport.
  • Protesters allegedly intimidated learners and the school community for two days, disrupting matrics and forcing the postponement of Grade 10 entrance exams.
  • The SAHRC will assess the complaint to determine whether any of the utterances complained of amounted to prohibited speech in terms of the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.
  • The parent has also complained about the selective characterisation of the incident by the Select Committee on Education, Science and the Creative Industries, which described it as racially motivated.

Statistics:

  • 6 pupils were charged with assault in the Cape Town Magistrate's Court and released on R2000 bail.
  • R2000 was the bail amount set for the 6 pupils charged with assault.
  • 2 days is the duration for which protesters allegedly intimidated learners and the school community.

Sources:

  • THE South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)
  • a parent's complaint, as reported by THE, referenced in the original text

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