Initiate dies after botched circumcision

June 26, 2004, 12:30

An initiate has died at Lujizweni village outside Ngqeleni, in the Eastern Cape, following a botched circumcision at an initiation school. More than 20 other initiates have been rushed to the St Barnabus Hospital in Libode.

Police are looking for other youngsters who were attending the school.

Somerset Mani, a local headman, says the circumcisions were carried out in secret.

The provincial health department recently intensified its effort to ensure problem-free circumcision season. It has hired additional 30 off-road vehicles and employed more personnel to conduct inspections at all remote rural circumcision schools.