Winter initiation season claims two lives

Two initiates have died since the start of the winter initiation season which began earlier this month in the Eastern Cape.

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Port Elizabeth - Two initiates have died since the start of the winter initiation season which began earlier this month in the Eastern Cape.

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), MEC Fikile Xasa sent his condolences to the initiates’ families in Nyandeni, in Buntingville and another in Mthatha.

“We call on parents, families and communities to remain vigilant during this period by visiting the initiation schools timeously. They should also use the services of registered traditional surgeons and nurses to promote legal schools,” said Xasa.

Meanwhile, initiation monitoring teams have been dispatched across the province in an attempt to mitigate the risks associated with the circumcision ritual.

Department spokesperson, Mamnkeli Ngam said that a suspect was arrested in Bisho and is expected to appear in court on Wednesday for the alleged illegal circumcision of a 28-year-old male.

Ngam said that 84 initiates, aged between 11 and 17, in Libode were circumcised illegally and have since been taken to the Nyandeni Great Palace to receive medical attention. He added that three traditional surgeons were arrested and are expected to appear in court soon on charges of unlawful circumcision.

“Our teams have rescued close to one hundred initiates from illegal schools in Nyandeni, Mhlontlo and Buffalo City municipal areas. Five initiation schools have been closed thus far. Fifteen initiates have been admitted at St Barnabas Hospital for medical attention.”

“In Mhlontlo thirteen initiates were rescued from Tina Falls and sent to Sulenkama hospital where they are receiving medical attention. All were circumcised illegally and no arrests have been made,” said Ngam.

African News Agency