By Anita Dangazele
- Criminals in Kariega exploit the initiation tradition by extorting families and robbing food couriers, prompting calls for increased security at initiation schools.
- Authorities and traditional leaders are addressing the issue, with SAPS providing a hotline for reports of extortion and related crimes.
Criminals in Kwanobuhle, Kariega are taking advantage of the tradition of “ulwaluko” (initiation) by extorting families of initiates, demanding protection fees in exchange for safety.
They are targeting “amanqalathi” – young boys who act as runners, delivering food from initiates’ homes to the initiation school. In the past few weeks, many young boys have been they robbed of food, cellphones and whatever criminals can get their hands on.
Community activist Thamsanqa Nkevu confirmed the incidents, calling on males from each initiate’s family to sleep overnight at the initiation school.
“I received many complaints of initiates and the youngsters delivering food being forced to pay protection fees, and that initiates were being hurt and robbed,” Nkevu said.
The Eastern Cape Department of Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) and the House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders confirmed the incidents of extortion.
Chairperson of the provincial House of Traditional Leaders, Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso said they would visit the area on Monday.
“The matter is receiving our utmost attention with all relevant key stakeholders, including the Metro Initiation Forum.”
Cogta MEC Zolile Williams added: “We will continue to stamp the authority of the state on any form of lawlessness, for the safe passage of kids to adulthood. Watch this space.”
The SAPS Nelson Mandela Bay District Initiation Committee said they are taking the matter very seriously and that an extortion line had been established to deal with it.
Anyone with detailed information in this regard is encouraged to call the SAPS on 082 387 1561 or 08600 10111, or use the MySAPS app.
Pictured above: Initiates walking through a field.
Source: Facebook
