Pretoria - Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Deputy Minister Obed Bapela has called on the Hawks to prosecute the culprits of illegal initiation schools, as the number of deaths from assault wounds has risen to 31.
The recent death was Cinga Maphetshana who died from assault wounds and injuries at an illegal initiation school in the Eastern Cape.
The Deputy Minister has consulted with the Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape for assistance in ensuring successful prosecution of the owner of the illegal school where Maphetshana, a Grade 10 student, died.
The Deputy Minister has extended condolences to the families of the deceased boys.
“The national figure is standing at 31. The Eastern Cape has to date reported 26 deaths, while Limpopo has reported three deaths, Mpumalanga reported one death, with North West reporting its first death since the start of the initiation season,” the department said.
The department said it will continue to create awareness and ensure that the Zero Death campaign is achieved through working together with police, other structures of the state and traditional leaders, to close down illegal schools.
"There is a sign of relief as most of the initiates would be returning back to their homes this week as the current initiation season comes to an end.
"The focus would be on the boys who are still in hospitals as a result of injuries and botched circumcision," said Deputy Minister Bapela.
The department said the Eastern Cape Hawks would look at other cases where death of the initiates was a result of serious head injuries and burn wounds. He said government has sent a strong warning that it would not allow this situation to be out of control.
“Government will take a lead to ensure that all illegal schools are completely shut down.”
For reporting of illegal initiation schools, the public can contact the Department of Traditional Affairs: Deputy Chairperson of National House of Traditional Leaders Kgosi Mahlangu on 071 461 0475, COGTA National Abram Sithole on 071 600 7917, COGTA National Jacob Mashishi 072 025 4607, and Eastern Cape COGTA Mamnkeli Ngam 071 685 7981. - SAnews.gov.za
