One of the Milnerton High School bullies who were caught on camera assaulting a younger learner has “apologised” for his actions.
The group of grade 12 learners – many of whom are on the school’s first team rugby – have since been suspended and are facing criminal charges.
MILNERTON HIGH SCHOOL BULLY SAYS SORRY
On his Instagram account, which has since been deactivated, one of the Milnerton High School bullies – Jeremy Armstrong – who was caught on camera assaulting a grade 10 learner, has apologised amid the backlash.
His IG Story reads: “I just want to apologise on behalf of Katlego [boy who was assaulted] and the video of me hitting him. I know I may not be forgiven, but the actions that have been done by me was wrong [sic]. I deeply regret it and spoke to Kat’s parents, telling them how sorry I am for assaulting Katlego.
“To apologies [sic] isn’t just to say sorry, but to show you’re sorry. To those of you who know me, know I never apologise. Especially after doing something I knew I was doing in the moment.
“I deeply apologise for the friends and family of Katlego and all my peers that I’ve let down”.
A screenshot of the apology quickly went viral on social media. However, many South Africans questioned its authenticity.
@EnhleZwaney: “He thinks high school is forever, ‘to those who know me, know I never apologise’. Life will humble him.”
@marlonbb: “This apology isn’t sincere. He’s doing it because he has to. These Milnerton High School gangsters don’t feel sorry for what they did; they enjoyed it. The video clearly shows it.”
@MaponyaRamodike: “He apologises because it went viral, nothing else”.
SUSPENSION, CRIMINAL CHARGES
Meanwhile, the Western Cape Department of Education has confirmed that eight Milnerton High School learners have been suspended in relation to the bullying video.
They are facing disciplinary hearings amid an internal investigation.
The bullies are also facing criminal charges, as the victim and his parents have opened charges of assault against them.
The mother told EWN: “We are not okay…I’m in disbelief and very, very hurt about what happened to our kid.”
The mother added that the suspension of the Milnerton High School perpetrators was not enough, and that she wants to see the law take its course.
