The parents of an 11-year-old learner at the centre of a controversy at a Milnerton primary school say their son has been wrongly portrayed as a danger, arguing that he is instead “a child in distress”. The row follows allegations that the learner had compiled a “hit list” of classmates he intended to harm.

In a statement shared with the media, the family disputed several claims circulating publicly. They said allegations that their son had brandished a firearm were false. According to the parents, the school reviewed available evidence, including footage, and found no support for claims involving a weapon. They also said their home does not contain or provide access to firearms.

Family Says Bullying was Ignored

The parents said their son had endured prolonged bullying, including name-calling, humiliation and social exclusion. They claimed these concerns were reported to the school multiple times and were backed by evidence, but were not effectively resolved.

They also argued that the case should not be viewed in isolation. According to the family, the child’s emotional distress worsened in recent months and they discovered a letter in which he expressed suicidal thoughts before the list was compiled.

Psychologist Found No Premeditated Intent

An independent assessment by a Western Cape Education Department educational psychologist found there was no premeditated intent to harm, according to the parents. The behaviour was instead described as a reactive response to emotional distress linked to ongoing peer difficulties.

The family further raised concerns about their interactions with the school principal. They alleged that comments made during a meeting in March were inappropriate and intimidating, and said the exchange had been formally documented and could be supported by affidavits.

Bigger Questions Around School Bullying

The school and the Western Cape Education Department have not publicly released full details of the psychological assessment or the bullying allegations. Because the matter involves a minor, some information remains protected under legal and ethical guidelines.

The case has again put the spotlight on bullying in schools and on how quickly emotional distress in children can escalate when support does not come soon enough.