20 Arrested for Eastern Cape Initiation School Deaths

Police have arrested more than 20 people in connection with the deaths at initiation schools in the Eastern Cape, says Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa.

- Molefe Seeletsa

Hlabisa, accompanied by his deputy, Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, and provincial leaders, including Cogta MEC Zolile Williams, visited the Eastern Cape last week following the deaths of more than 20 boys.

Speaking to the media, Hlabisa expressed his alarm over the fatalities.

"We are sitting at the figure of 27 initiates who have died during the summer initiation process. This is unfortunate. We want to condemn all the bad practices that resulted in such deaths," Hlabisa said.

"But I must start by saying, firstly, there are initiation schools that are doing very well, that are the real custodians of this culture and tradition."

The minister strongly criticised illegal initiation schools for failing to adhere to proper protocols.