Deputy Minister Bapela requests the Eastern Cape hawks to take over cases of initiates who died from assault wounds and injury

14 July 2015

The Deputy Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Mr Obed Bapela announces with sadness the increase of the initiates deaths, the figure is standing at 31 nationally and he extend condolences to the families of the deceased boys.

The national figure is standing at 31. The Eastern Cape has to date reported 26 deaths; Limpopo has recorded three deaths, Mpumalanga has reported one death and with North West reporting its first death since the start of the initiation season.

Bapela indicated that the Department will continue to create awareness and ensure that the "Zero Death" campaign is achieved through working together with police and other structures of the state and traditional leaders to close down illegal schools.

"There is a sigh of relief as most of the initiates would be returning back to their homes these week as the current initiation season comes to an end", said Bapela. Bapela further said "The focus would be on the boys who are still in hospitals as a results of injuries and botched circumcision."

The Deputy Minister has consulted with the Head of the Hawks in the Eastern Cape province for assistance in ensuring successful prosecution of the owner of the illegal school, where Mrp. Cinga Maphetshana, a Grade 10 student, died from assault wounds and injuries.

The Eastern Cape Hawks would look at other cases were death of the initiates was as a results of serious head injuries and burn wounds as a strong warning that government would not allow this situation to be out of control. Government will take a lead to ensure that all illegal schools are completely shut down.

For reporting of illegal initiation schools please contact the following numbers: 

Department of Traditional Affairs:
Kgosi Mahlangu (Deputy Chairperson of National House of Traditional Leaders)
Cell: 071 461 0475

Abram Sithole (National Cogta )
Cell: 071 600 7917

Jacob Mashishi
Cell: 072 025 4607

Mamnkeli Ngam (Eastern Cape Cogta)
Cell: 071 685 7981

Enquiries:
Sifiso Ngcobo
Cell: 071 421 9592

Statement issued by Department of Traditional Affairs, July 14 2015