The deaths of initiates in the Eastern Cape have risen to 15 since the start of this summer initiation season in the province. There are reports that some deaths have been caused by the negligence of traditional nurses.
The Eastern Cape Health Department says it is concerned about the rising deaths of initiates in the province.
Health spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo says dehydration, asthma attacks and botched circumcisions are among the causes of the deaths.
“We urge parents and other role players to stop being negligent because all this incidents tell us that these initiates died unnecessarily and they have got to seek medical help as soon the boys start to present signs of illnesses. Let us not kill innocent lives unnecessarily.”
Kupelo says, so far, police have managed to arrest four bogus traditional surgeons in the province.
“These deaths will be stopped if the community works together and respects the traditional leaders who are inspecting these initiates. And those who continue to disregard the law should face the law.”
Eastern Cape Department of Traditional Affairs says it will hold a media conference on the latest developments around deaths of initiates on Friday.
