While many people are enjoying the festive season and relaxing at home some young men are putting their lives at risk.
On 25 December 2019 four young men were found at an illegal initiation school at Crown Mines in Johannesburg. The initiates were dehydrated and in an unsatisfactory medical condition.
Gauteng Health MEC’s liason officer, Philani Mhlungu, told Gauteng News that one of the initiates (23) died due to burn wounds. He was declared dead on the scene and his body was handed over to Forensic Pathology Services.
“The other 3 initiates were taken to Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital for further medical assessment and were later released to the care of their parents”, he continued.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) also reported that another initiate died at a bogus initiation school in Lenasia. The deceased is a 16-year-old boy from Sebokeng. The alleged operator of the school is on the run and is believed to be hiding in West Rand.
” We wish to make members of the public aware that the Gauteng Department of Health offers medical male circumcision free of charge. Our highly skilled health professionals are available to assist if you wish to do medical male circumcision “, concluded Mhlungu.
The case is currently being handled by the SAPS and they have apprehended some of the suspects involved in these illegal schools.
