According to the Limpopo Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Raymond Sekele (19) was admitted to the Philadelphia Hospital on July 6 after he experienced health problems.

The department stated that Raymond’s family confirmed he was epileptic and was on medication when he was enrolled at the legal initiation school under the permit of Kgoshigadi Morongwe Cathrine Mathebe in Magakadimeng Section.

Raymond experienced an epileptic seizure and collapsed on July 2. The school assisted Raymond until he fully recovered later that day and resumed normal activities.

MEC Basikopo Makamu said he received a report that Raymond failed to wake up with the other initiates on Sunday morning.

He was allegedly unresponsive, and his breathing was shallow when a caregiver checked on him at 08:00.

After a doctor and his guardian were notified, the school was advised to urgently take him to the hospital for further checks.

“We are deeply saddened by this death. One death is too many. Working closely with the health and education departments, the SAPS, and the National Prosecuting Authority, we have put systems in place to ensure that no life is lost. However, this death is confirmation that we need to work harder to avert fatalities during initiation season. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family during this difficult period,” remarked Makamu.

• Another death was recorded in the Mopani District involving a 12-year-old boy following a fire that broke out at an initiation school last week. He succumbed to his injuries on July 9 following treatment at hospitals in the Mopani District and Gauteng.