Image: UP
The Commission for the Promotion
and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Communities
has called for an investigation and arrests in response to the recent deaths of
initiates in the Eastern Cape. The commission plans to convene next month to
address the crisis surrounding the deaths of 28 initiates in the province,
emphasizing a lack of accountability and enforcement of the rule of law in
traditional practices.
Expressing concern over the
situation, the commission urged law enforcement agencies to thoroughly
investigate and apprehend those responsible for the deaths of initiates.
Despite numerous engagements with traditional leaders, the commission noted a
failure to take preventative action.
Premier Oscar Mabuyane, earlier
this month, called on law enforcement to intensify efforts against criminals
targeting initiation schools. Incidents included the killing of three brothers
and the injury of another initiate in Mntla Location, as well as rape
allegations against a traditional nurse in Ward 5 eMalahleni in Cacadu.
Commission chairperson Professor
David Mosoma highlighted the legal responsibility of traditional leaders to
ensure the safety of initiates within their jurisdiction, as stipulated by the
Customary Initiation Act of 2021. He emphasized the need for severe sentences
as a deterrent for crimes committed during initiation, including negligence,
botched circumcisions, and penal amputations.
Premier Mabuyane outlined the
provincial government's efforts to enhance monitoring systems through
ward-based initiation forums, community development workers, and collaboration
with traditional leaders. Despite expressing condolences to the families of the
deceased initiates, he reaffirmed the province's commitment to ensuring a safe
initiation season and pledged to address any threats to its success.
Source: News24
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