Two die and close to 100 rescued in illegal circumcisions in Eastern Cape
Two initiates have died and close to 100 initiates have been rescued since the start of the initiation season‚ the Eastern Cape department of co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) said on Wednesday. The two deaths occurred in Nyandeni and Mthatha. The department said it is awaiting post-mortem results.The ages of the rescued initiates range from 11 to 17 years old. The initiates were rescued in Nyandeni‚ Mhlontlo and Buffalo City municipal areas.Five initiation schools have been closed and 15 initiates have been admitted at St Barnabas Hospital for medical attention.“Three traditional surgeons including a notorious surgeon in the area have been arrested and are due to appear in court soon to face charges of unlawful circumcision‚” the department said.The department said its Initiation Monitoring Teams have been deployed throughout the province to mitigate risks associated with circumcision.Cogta MEC Fikile Xasa called on parents‚ families and communities to remain vigilant during this period by visiting initiation schools “timeously”.“They should also use the services of registered traditional surgeons and nurses to promote legal schools‚” said Xasa...
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