The family of an illegally circumcised boy who was severely tortured at an illegal initiation school in Libode want justice.
Zimi Lujabe, 16, was rescued from the illegal initiation school and taken to St Barnabas Hospital in Ntlaza. He was burnt with melting plastic, had a burning cigarette shoved up his anus, was assaulted with sticks and kicked in the groin.
When the Dispatch visited him in hospital, he was visibly in pain. “When asking for water we were insulted and denied water. When we wanted to pee we were ordered to hold it,” he said. “When we could not sing we were beaten and kicked in the groin. When I wanted to sit down, I was burnt on my buttocks with melting plastic and beaten under the feet and on the hand with a stick. It was hell. I thought I was going to die. Even now, when I am in hospital, I am still scared.”
The Grade 8 Magadlela Junior Secondary School pupil was illegally circumcised on September 27 in KwaMbiza village near Mkhankatho, with nine other boys, some as young as 13.
The initiates were rescued after Zimi’s family alerted authorities. His aunt and legal guardian Lindeka Lujabe-Saba has vowed to fight until Zimi’s abusers are brought to book.
“I am deeply hurt to see my nephew this badly injured. Those who have done this cruelty should pay and I am going to make sure justice is done.
“It does not matter how far I have to go,” she said.
Zimi gave the bogus surgeon a cellphone because he did not have the R200 he asked for.
Police spokesperson Captain Dineo Koena said a case of unlawful circumcision had been opened. Further charges like assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm may be added. There were no arrests.
Health department spokesperson Lwandile Sicwetsha said four initiates were admitted at St Barnabas Hospital with severe injuries at the weekend.
“Three are in stable condition and one is critical.”
Some of the initiates have been transferred to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital in Mthatha.
Health MEC Helen Sauls-August has condemned the “barbaric assault” and urged traditional leaders and circumcision forums to assist in finding the perpetrators...