Cops to monitor bush schools
WITH illegal circumcision schools still popping up around the province unabated, provincial police officials have issued a stern warning to bogus surgeons...
Moyahabo Mabeba
LIMPOPO – WITH illegal circumcision schools still popping up around the province unabated, provincial police officials have issued a stern warning to bogus surgeons who may possibly break the law by staging unlawful initiation schools without proper documentation this winter.
Authorities said they would deal harshly against unregistered surgeons who were responsible for any deaths of young boys who perished as a result of botched circumcisions. On an annual basis during circumcision season, the police are inundated with reports of young men who are kidnapped and taken to initiation schools against their will.
A provincial joint priority committee comprising the police and the departments of health, cooperative governance, human settlements and traditional affairs and other strategic stakeholders has been established to oversee and monitor the smooth running of the schools in a bid to curb this recurring criminal conduct.
The police have since urged parents to verify the legitimacy of these initiation schools with their local traditional authorities before sending their children.
Provincial police commissioner, Lt Genl Fannie Masemola said: “we will not tolerate the abduction of boys into these initiation schools under the guise of culture and tradition. Those found to be forcefully dragging innocent boys to circumcision will face the wrath of the law and the police will be on the lookout for them. We will work together with all relevant stakeholders to ensure no casualties are reported in the province. Even those approved initiation schools will not be spared from unannounced visits and inspections. No boys under the age of 12 may be admitted at these schools and we will be out to guard against that as well. Those who fail to comply will have the police to deal with”.
He further urged parents and family members of young boys who were kidnapped and taken to initiation schools to report such cases to the police immediately.
“It is important that such cases be reported to the police immediately for us to respond swiftly and rescue these individuals before they are harmed and traumatised,” he stressed.
55 Initiation school applications denied
Boy (17) died at initiation school
No initiation school this year for boys in Mosesetjane
Initiation schools plead for parents to be responsible
