ANC Statement on arrests in relation to initiation deaths

The African National Congress welcomes the arrest of 5 people in connection with the deaths of 30 young men in the Eastern Cape following fatal circumcisions conducted as part of traditional initiation rituals. Activities that have led to the deaths of initiates, particularly in the Pondoland Region of the Eastern Cape, must be harshly condemned and called for what they are - criminal activities masquerading as implementation of our respected customs.

It has since come to our attention that some of these illegal circumcisions, conducted under the guise of culture, have been reported to include forcing young men to partake in these fraudulent and irregular initiation schools and demanding money from their families for these evil and criminal deeds that have placed the lives of thousands of young people in grave danger and delivered many to untimely and unnecessary death.

As we mourn the lives of these young men, the African National Congress demands even sterner and harsher action to combat this slaughter and the bastardisation of our cultural practices. Law enforcement agencies throughout the country must act speedily and decisively to bring to a stop these unnecessary and tragic events unfolding at our initiation schools.

The Justice Crime Prevention and Security Cluster must consider amongst others the establishment of a Specialised Unit  to crackdown on this growing problem and halt it decisively in its tracks. The Cluster should also look at deploying additional capacity in the form of Magistrates and Prosecutors to ensure that those who are arrested, are speedily prosecuted and the cases hastily concluded thus sending a clear and unambiguous message to other would be criminals participating in unlawful circumcisions that such acts can never be allowed to continue and these illegal and irregular circumcisions will be uncompromisingly dealt with.

 The African National Congress once again appeals to traditional leadership, community members, government and all other stakeholders to vigilantly and urgently to ensure proper regulation of the traditional initiation practice thus closing out opportunistic criminal elements who abuse cultural practices for material gain.

Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, ANC national spokesperson, July 9 2013

Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter