TWO initiates have died and 48 others have been rescued since the traditional initiation summer season began on Friday.
One of the initiates who died was from East London and the other from Port St Johns.
“Two initiates have died – one in Reeston in East London and another one in Bharhana village at Mzintlava in Port St Johns,” said local government and traditional affairs spokesman Mamneli Ngam yesterday. “We are still waiting for post-mortem results.”
Ngam said the deaths were reported on Monday. Their names are Bobani Langatye, 17, of East London and Sakhumzi Avela Bhoni, 18, of Port St Johns.
“A total of 48 initiates were rescued in Flagstaff and Mbizana. Eight were admitted to hospital and three traditional surgeons have been arrested – two in Flagstaff and one in Mbizana,” said Ngam.
Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders chairman Ngangomhlaba Matanzima urged parents, traditional leaders and community members to ensure strict compliance with the procedures to ensure the safe passage of the boys to manhood.
“Initiates must be served water and healthy food. Parents should visit initiation schools more often.
“Medication other than painkillers must be made available to those in need and immediate referral to the hospital for those in critical heath conditions should be a priority,” said Matanzima.
He sent his condolences to the families of the deceased initiates and wished those in hospital quick recoveries.
Matanzima urged people to report illegal initiation schools and cases of abuse involving initiates to police.
Police spokesman Captain Jackson Manatha said parents should open a case of attempted murder against illegal surgeons. “Before he cuts there should be proof the initiates have gone to a doctor, clinic, or hospital for the tests .”
Unless special arrangements are made, initiates should all be 18 years or older.
Department of health spokesman Sizwe Kupelo urged parents to have discussions with their children on the dangers of illegal circumcision schools.
“Children should not run off on their own without their parents’ consent,” he said.
Matanzima said the implementation of the initiation monitoring and intervention strategy (Imis) had so far seen about 950 initiates throughout the province visited since Friday.
The Methodist Church in Lusikisiki – which recently held a prayer meeting for a safe season – is assisting by providing support to the Imis programme. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
Two initiates die, 48 rescued
One of the initiates who died was from East London and the other from Port St Johns.
“Two initiates have died – one in Reeston in East London and another one in Bharhana village at Mzintlava in Port St Johns,” said local government and traditional affairs spokesman Mamneli Ngam yesterday. “We are still waiting for post-mortem results.”
Ngam said the deaths were reported on Monday. Their names are Bobani Langatye, 17, of East London and Sakhumzi Avela Bhoni, 18, of Port St Johns.
“A total of 48 initiates were rescued in Flagstaff and Mbizana. Eight were admitted to hospital and three traditional surgeons have been arrested – two in Flagstaff and one in Mbizana,” said Ngam.
Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders chairman Ngangomhlaba Matanzima urged parents, traditional leaders and community members to ensure strict compliance with the procedures to ensure the safe passage of the boys to manhood.
“Initiates must be served water and healthy food. Parents should visit initiation schools more often.
“Medication other than painkillers must be made available to those in need and immediate referral to the hospital for those in critical heath conditions should be a priority,” said Matanzima.
He sent his condolences to the families of the deceased initiates and wished those in hospital quick recoveries.
Matanzima urged people to report illegal initiation schools and cases of abuse involving initiates to police.
Police spokesman Captain Jackson Manatha said parents should open a case of attempted murder against illegal surgeons. “Before he cuts there should be proof the initiates have gone to a doctor, clinic, or hospital for the tests .”
Unless special arrangements are made, initiates should all be 18 years or older.
Department of health spokesman Sizwe Kupelo urged parents to have discussions with their children on the dangers of illegal circumcision schools.
“Children should not run off on their own without their parents’ consent,” he said.
Matanzima said the implementation of the initiation monitoring and intervention strategy (Imis) had so far seen about 950 initiates throughout the province visited since Friday.
The Methodist Church in Lusikisiki – which recently held a prayer meeting for a safe season – is assisting by providing support to the Imis programme. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za
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