South African authorities have suspended eight pupils linked to a case of alleged bullying that has caused national outrage.
A video showing a horrific assault at Milnerton high school in Cape Town last week has been widely shared on social media.
Several boys are seen repeatedly hitting a fellow pupil with various objects, including a hockey stick, hose pipe and belt. According to reports, the boy was one of nine allegedly assaulted.
Bullying in schools is a significant problem in South Africa, with videos depicting the violent attacks often going viral. This latest clip is among the most horrific to emerge in recent years.
Organisations and political parties have condemned the incident while the police have confirmed that an assault case has been opened.
Among those to speak out was Amnesty International South Africa, which said the video was deeply disturbing and called for timely disciplinary action.
South Africa's education ministry said it had been in contact with the Western Cape education department, which has oversight over the school, and confirmed that the suspended pupils would face disciplinary action.
Bodies including the education ministry have urged the public not to share the video of the assault, as it exacerbates the trauma for the victim and undermines the rights of all those involved.
A South African online publication, News24, reported that the mother of the boy in the video, a 16-year-old cancer survivor, expressed her heartbreak over the incident happening after her son had just completed chemotherapy.
