While thousands of Eastern Cape boys are preparing for their traditional circumcision, police have promised to boost their efforts to combat the criminal activities and deaths that occur during the season.
The Mdantsane police cluster hosted the “Mabaye bephila, babuye bephila” (Go alive, return alive) campaign on Thursday where key roleplayers , including the SAPS, House of Traditional Leaders, local chiefs, Buffalo City Municipality (BCM), the health department, traditional surgeons and traditional nurses converged in NU6 to launch this year’s summer initiation season.
Police spokesperson captain Nkosikho Mzuku said police condemned substance and alcohol abuse at initiation huts and added that unannounced and random searches at the initiation huts will be conducted to prevent criminal activities during this period.
“Adherence to health care standards by traditional surgeons and traditional nurses was emphasised. Traditional surgeons and traditional nurses are urged to prioritise the health of the initiates before their needs. They must mostly try to be the role models to them,” he said...