Saturday, May 18, 2013

SOUTH AFRICA: More than 15 die from circumcision

The New Age (South Africa)
May 12, 2013

More than 15 die at initiation school


by Sphiwe Masilela

WITH just a week spent at the bush, at least over 15 boys have died at this year’s winter school and various police departments have launched investigations following the death of young boys who wanted to be men.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Colonel Jay Naicker said Marian hill police were investigating a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after more than eight boys between underwent circumcision.

“We can confirm an incident that occurred where more than eight boys between the ages of 13 and 15 were allegedly circumcised without their parent’s consent in Milkyway Road, Dassenhoek,”

Colonel Leonard Hlathi, Mpumalanga police spokesperson said they were also investigating cases of inquest following the death of eight boys aged between 15 and 21, who died at the initiation schools around KwaMhlanga and Verena areas respectively.

“The incidents occurred on the 08th and 09th of May 2013, where four of the victims were admitted at the local hospital and died later. Two were certified dead on arrival whilst two at one of the initiation schools,” said Hlathi.

He said a probe has been launched in regard to this incidents and the post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

“Police are also in the process of verifying whether the initiation schools were registered or not,” he added.

An 18-year-old boy from Dennilton also died at the initiation last Tuesday in Bronkhorstspruit.

It is alleged that the boy bled a lot and resulted in the death.

Police spokesperson, Constable Zanele Vilakazi said: “An Inquest docket has been opened at the Bronkhorstspruit Police station and further investigations conducted to determine the cause of death. It is alleged that the young man was circumcised on Monday night and his body recovered in the early hours of Tuesday morning,” added Vilakazi.

No arrests have been made.

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