Initiation toll climbs to 19 as three deaths reported

THE initiation death toll has increased to 19, with three new deaths reported yesterday.

Local Government and Traditional Affairs spokesman Mamnkeli Ngam said the latest deaths were reported in Linge Township in Queenstown – where a 44-year-old initiate died – and in Ncise in Mthatha and Libode.

"We call for more visits to the bush by parents and family members 24/7. No person should be allowed in initiation schools except traditional surgeons and nurses, amanqalathi [messenger boys] and family members," Ngam said. He said 134 initiates – 11 from Mount Ayliff, two in Lusikisiki and the rest from Bizana – were rescued and sent to the Lusikisiki rescue centre yesterday.

"We call on the monitoring teams to close all illegal schools to prevent the possibility of more deaths. Our prayers are with bereaved families during this time of sorrow."

Seven people have so far been arrested.

The monitoring team, including chiefs, officials and doctors, visited initiates at Mthatha hospitals yesterday. – Lulamile Feni