Two initiates die at Sekhukhune komas

The deaths of two initiates, aged 25 and 14, has marred hopes of a death and incident free koma season. The deaths occurred at initiations schools in Schoonoord and Maserumele villages in Sekhukhune on Sunday and Monday respectively.
Malesela Dikgale, Chairperson of the House of Traditional Leaders expressed his sorrow and disappointment and that of the house and other stakeholders over the passing of the initiates.
He told Polokwane Observer the incident in Schoonoord stemmed from complications after circumcision resulting in the death of the initiate.
“As for the other one in Maserumule we are still waiting for the full report on his death. At the moment we only know that he died at an initiation school at Masuremule. We extend our condolences to the affected families,” Dikgale said and added that the initiation school at Maserumule was authorised by the relevant authority while the one in Schoonoord was not approved.
Dikgale stated that they had hoped for a death free initiation period, but it was not to be. “However, together with the provincial joint priority committee comprising of the South African Police Service and the departments of Health, Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs and other strategic stakeholders we will continue to monitor the schools and curb any unbecoming and criminal behaviour,” he said.
The province’s koma season commenced on 19 June and is expected to run until 20 July.

Story: Herbert Rachuene
>>herbert@mailbox.co.za