Teenager (15) re-arrested in initiation assault drama

Four suspects charged with the assault of two initiation school inmates were expected to apply for bail in the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Monday 5 August.

The office of the clerk of court disclosed that the fourth suspect, a 15-year-old minor, has been re-arrested.

At the time of the arrests Bela-Bela police spokesperson, Sergeant Frans Maponya, said the minor was released into the custody of his parents.

The four suspects were arrested at the initiation school outside Bela-Bela, following a visit by health authorities.

Two victims, allegedly assaulted by the foursome, were found at the initiation school.

The four suspects, namely Sello Malete (28), Daniel Malete (22), Tshepang Mafora (23) and the 15-year-old minor, remained in custody until formal bail application processes next Monday.

The three adult suspects first appeared before the Bela-Bela Magistrate’s Court on Monday 29 July.

One of the victims was on Monday 22 July admitted into intensive care unit at Bela-Bela Bela Hospital.

By Tuesday 30 July Bela-Bela Hospital authorities were not readily available for an update.

The other victim was also hospitalised.

Limpopo House of Traditional Leaders chairperson, Kgoshi Malesela Dikgale, has since declared that the last of the initiates had returned home safely, in time for the re-opening of schools in
early July.

At least one death was reported from an initiation school in Modimolle in recent weeks.

Of the total number of initiates from across the province, 52 initiates — 26 males and 26 females — were drawn from the Waterberg region.

— The BEAT