Kamogelo Olaitan
It has been less than a month since the Mpumalanga Province lifted its ban on initiation schools – and at least five initiates have died during the winter initiation season.
On Friday two young men died in Verena after complications following procedures.
Thomas Ntuli, 19, experienced complications following a circumcision and was taken to a clinic where he died while receiving medical attention.
Initiate Sibusiso Masombuka, 18, underwent a circumcision procedure a day before his death.
He complained about feeling dizzy at around 6am on Friday.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Colonel Donald Mdluli said Masombuka was taken aside to catch his breath but he died at the scene.
Three more initiates aged 19, 22 and 34 died at an initiation school in the Laersdrift area.
Mdluli said the police are investigating five cases of culpable homicide.
Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa president Kgoshi Mathibela Mokoena said they are saddened by the incidents.
“We call on law enforcement agencies to investigate the deaths and if it’s found that anyone who was given permission to run the schools was negligent the law must take its course,” Kgoshi Mokoena said.
