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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