eMbalenhle police are investigating one death at initiation school
eMBALENHLE - The SAPS in eMbalenhle are investigating the death of an initiate at one of the initiation schools in eMbalenhle on May 16. According to Sergeant Busi Mthethwa, police received a call from the initiation school's chief. Upon arrival at the scene, police found a group of men conducting an initiation process and one man lying
The SAPS in eMbalenhle are investigating the death of an initiate at one of the initiation schools in eMbalenhle on May 16.
According to Sergeant Busi Mthethwa, police received a call from the initiation school’s chief. Upon arrival at the scene, police found a group of men conducting an initiation process and one man lying on the ground unconscious.
Police were informed by one of the men at the initiation school that he noticed the deceased was unable to speak and had collapsed to the ground with no movement in his arms and legs.
Mthethwa said all relevant role players were summoned to the scene and the man was declared dead.
Police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, and no arrests have been made as the investigation continues.
The Mpumalanga Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) and task team held a meeting with traditional leaders at the eMbalenhle Police Station to determine what led to the death of the initiate.
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The 2026 customary winter initiation season has begun and the provincial government aims for zero deaths among initiates as it launches this year’s winter initiation season.
In pursuit of this goal, the Department of Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (CoGHSTA) also conducted a Provincial Initiation Coordination Committee session.
The session brought together key stakeholders, including national and provincial oversight committees, the Ingoma Forum, the Ingoma Task Team, the SAPS, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Department of Health, traditional leaders, and Koma holders, to work together towards achieving the target of zero deaths.
According to the department, the initiative aims to strengthen collective action to safeguard the integrity of this important cultural practice.
It also provides a platform to reinforce protocols, enhance coordination and ensure that all stakeholders are fully prepared for the season ahead.
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