One hundred and twenty two initiates were rescued during weekend raids on five illegal circumcision schools in the Maluti area, Eastern Cape health officials said on Sunday. "Thirty-two initiates were admitted to hospitals in the province. They are in a stable condition," spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said.
| Wonder if they were acting on a 'tip'? |
Eight people were also arrested on Saturday and Sunday from the bogus circumcision schools near Sibi Village.
Those apprehended were in contravention of the Circumcision Act which regulates the custom in the province. Ten initiates have died since the beginning of the circumcision period earlier this month. The provincial health department has hired 60 additional 4x4 vans to patrol rural areas. Four hundred officials have been deployed throughout the province in an attempt to curb the increasing number of deaths. - Sapa |