Expulsion not only answer in Milnerton High assault case, says psychologist

Registered psychologist Charl Davids, speaking on CapeTalk, argues that the focus should be on repairing harm, rather than just punishing.

Eight learners appeared in the Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, charged with various counts of assault relating to grievous bodily harm.

Following a recommendation by the school’s governing body, six of the eight learners could soon be expelled.

RELATED: Six Milnerton High learners likely to face expulsion

Davids explained that expulsion is not the only solution, and that a restorative approach could be more effective in addressing the underlying issues.

“A restorative justice approach is about focusing on repairing harm from crime rather than just punishing offenders. We emphasise within that process the healing for victims together with the reintegration of offenders by involving all the affected parties.”  

He highlighted the need to also look at the culture within the school, where bullying and hazing are prevalent, and to address the underlying factors that contribute to such behaviour. 

“Did the learners act within a culture? Why are we not holding the school accountable? We are not talking about their role in this. We are not addressing the underlying factors here.”

To listen to Davids in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, use the audio player below: