Pretoria – North West Premier Thandi Modise has called on provincial authorities to clamp down on illegal initiation schools following the deaths of two teens at an initiation school in Makwaneng, near Amalia, at the weekend.
“Chancers and those who commit atrocities at initiation schools undermine our tradition and culture and should be brought to book.
“We call on traditional leaders as custodians of our tradition and culture to monitor initiation schools within their areas of jurisdiction and report ill-treatment and illegal operations to authorities,” said the premier in a statement.
Police spokesperson Colonel Emelda Setlhako said it is believed that a 16-year-old initiate at the school started vomiting after drinking water on Friday. He reportedly collapsed and died.
“The next day, a 17-year-old complained of stomach cramps after eating and was later declared dead by emergency services. The remaining initiates were taken to a hospital in Schweizer-Reneke,”said Setlhako.
While investigations are continuing, no arrests have been made. – SAnews.gov.za
