Third initiate dead since start of season

LIMPOPO – A 22-year-old man died at the Matlala Bakoni Traditional Council’s initiation school in the Waterberg district yesterday (Wednesday).

The cause of his death is still not known as post mortem results have not been released yet. The initiate had complications and was rushed to the George Masebe Hospital, where he died.  This brings to total three initiates who lost their lives since the start of the initiation season.

The first two initiates, aged 14 and 25, died at the Skinot initiation school in Sekhukhune two weeks ago.

The 25-year-old man was mental ill and was circumcised without his parents’ consent at the illegal bush school.

The MEC for cooperative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs (Coghsta), Makoma Makhurupetje, has expressed sadness following the death of the third initiate.

Makhurupetje sent her condolences to the bereaved family. “The province has targeted to have zero deaths this season, but unfortunately, this was not the case. We are worried that the death toll has exceeded the previous year by two more initiates, but we will continue to engage all the stakeholders with the aim of finding a lasting solution to the problem,” said Makhurupetje.

Initiation schools are expected to wrap up their business this weekend ahead of the opening of schools next week.

Mentally-challenged man circumcised illegally