A 17-year-old initiate has died after allegedly committing suicide in the Maluti area in the Eastern Cape. This is the second death of an initiate in the Alfred Nzo District bringing to four the death toll since the beginning of the summer initiation season.
Provincial Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Spokesperson Mamkeli Ngam says they have launched an investigation to determine the reasons behind the incident.
“On behalf of Cogta MEC FB Xasa, in the Eastern province, we would like to confirm the fourth death in the province. Preliminary reports that we have received from the Department of Health are that the initiate in question hanged himself. However, we wish to confirm that we would like to follow up with a proper investigation … the exact reasons for the initiate who has hanged himself. And MEC Xasa wishes to send his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and their relatives,” explains Ngam.
