- Police opened 45 criminal cases and arrested 31 people for unlawful circumcision and breaking initiation laws in the Eastern Cape.
- Eight initiates died from dehydration, two from natural causes, one from sepsis, one from suicide and one from lightning strike.
Fifteen initiates have died in the Eastern Cape just three weeks into the 2025 summer initiation season.
The deaths happened despite efforts by government and traditional leaders to stop fatalities during the customary male initiation period.
Police opened 45 criminal cases linked to unlawful circumcision and breaking initiation laws. Authorities arrested 31 people and opened 12 inquest dockets to investigate the deaths.
The department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs said 10 of the 15 deaths happened at legal initiation schools.
During the 2024 summer initiation season, 34 initiates died in the province.
The O R Tambo District recorded six deaths. Amathole and Chris Hani districts recorded three deaths each. Buffalo City recorded two deaths, while Alfred Nzo recorded one.
Department spokesperson Pheello Oliphant said eight initiates died from dehydration. Two died from natural causes, including epileptic fits and cardiac failure.
One initiate died from sepsis, one by suicide after being found hanged and one was struck by lightning.
The deceased were aged between 15 and 27. They died between 26 November and 12 December.
A 19-year-old initiate died after being struck by lightning in Ngcobo on 5 December, six days after circumcision.
An 18-year-old was found hanged at his home in Upper Mgwalana on 26 November, six days after circumcision.
A 15-year-old initiate died from assault injuries on 7 December in Ngqeleni, just one week into his initiation.
The initiation season officially started on 14 November for out-of-school youth. It opened a week later for those who had completed their examinations.
Deputy minister Prince Zolile Burns Ncamashe is expected to visit affected families and initiation schools in Alfred Nzo, the O R Tambo District and Buffalo City from Wednesday to Friday.
“The number of fatalities has raised serious concerns from government, traditional leaders, families and communities,” Burns Ncamashe said.
Oliphant said deaths continued despite medical support, police oversight and community awareness campaigns.
“Despite all these efforts, initiates have died and some have been brutally assaulted,” he said.
Pictured above: Traditional Xhosa initiates.
Image source: File
