Seven initiates have died from complications, dehydration and assault in the Eastern Cape since the beginning of the circumcision season, the provincial health department said on Thursday.
Department spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said five initiates died on Tuesday in Qweqwe village, North Coast Umtata, Mount Ayliff, Flagstaff and Lusikisiki and that another in Stutterheim the following day. The seventh initiate died last Friday in Bizana.
”The department is upset about this and will make sure all the perpetrators are brought to book. We urge people to respect tradition — including the rule of law,” said Kupelo.
The department has hired 22 vehicles used by environmental officers and traditional leaders to monitor the situation around the province. – Sapa