‘Toxic’ school rugby culture may have fuelled assault

SPORT, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie says the Milnerton High School bullying incident highlights a “toxic culture” in some schools where privileged rugby players may feel “untouchable” and exempt from accountability for egregious behaviour.

- NICOLA DANIELS [e-mail]

He made the remarks hours before six pupils, some believed to be part of the school’s rugby team, appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court and were each released on R2000 bail over the assault captured on video.

The NPA said the six accused are facing eight charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. While there were allegedly eight boys involved, the two minors were not charged. One minor was assessed and released on warning.

The other one was to be assessed yesterday but was also released into the care of his parents. The case has been postponed until January to allow the pupils to write exams.