HOSPITALS FILL WITH BOTCHED CIRCUMCISIONS

AT least three Xhosa circumcision initiates have died and a large number have been admitted to Eastern Cape hospitals recently following botched circumcision procedures. Doctors said traditional surgeons often use the same blade on a string of initiates. At least 42 patients were admitted to northern Eastern Cape hospitals since December for treatment for serious infections and re-circumcisions. e-tv reported on Tuesday night that at least 72 circumcision initiates had been admitted to Eastern Cape hospitals since Sunday. The cut marks the Xhosa passage to manhood.