Initiation school season claims three lives in the Vaal.
Current Affairs S.APosted by admin on 2026-01-15 10:22:40 | Last Updated by admin on 2026-01-19 18:43:44
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SEDIBENG – As the summer initiation season came to an end last weekend, the government has confirmed that three men from Sedibeng lost their lives while undergoing initiation.
What was meant to be a proud cultural rite of passage has ended in heartbreak for families. Instead of welcoming home new men, these families are now preparing for funerals.
The three victims, aged 21, 25, and 35, died under mysterious circumstances at a registered initiation school in the Emfuleni Local Municipality. The deaths occurred at different camps between early and late December.
The Gauteng Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee confirmed the deaths.
Spokesperson for Gauteng MEC for Infrastructure Development and Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Theo Nkonki, said the police are investigating the causes of death.
“During this period, four initiates tragically lost their lives under varying circumstances. The Gauteng Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee extends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased. We are offering support to the affected families and respectfully appeal for privacy during this difficult time,” he said.
The authorities are also investigating whether the school followed the rules set out in the Customary Initiation Act, which is designed to keep initiates safe.
“The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) reiterates its commitment to ensuring that all registered initiation schools uphold,” said Nkonki.
Meanwhile, a 15-year-old male initiate died on December 8 at an unregistered initiation school within the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, raising the death toll in Gauteng this season to four.
