Three die after initiation operations in Eastern Cape

The summer season initiation death toll has now claimed another three initiates lives in the Eastern Cape.

This means six deaths have been reported in the province so far since Thursday.

The six victims come from Flagstaff, Port St Johns, Ngqeleni, Mthatha, and Aliwal North.

Cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) spokesman Mamnkeli Ngam said that they have learnt with shock that there were so many deaths.

''In the past two weeks we were happy that it was nice and quiet and pray for God's miracle that there would be no  deaths at all as we actually targeted for zero deaths,'' said Ngam.

Health spokesman said at least three of the initiates admitted to  hospitals have had penile amputation.

''They were admitted with gangrenous penises and presenting high level of heat. There were also allegations that they were denied water and food,'' said Kupelo.