EASTERN CAPE: Circumcision death toll 13

Eye Witness News (South Africa)
July 1, 2014

EC initiate death toll rises

by Shamiela Fisher (ed. Gadeeja Abbas)
CAPE TOWN - At least 13 boys have died since the start of the winter initiation season, the Eastern Cape Health Department said on Tuesday.

Officials say hospitals are also overcrowded with severely ill initiates seeking medical assistance.
Early on Tuesday, an initiate in Mthatha died as a result of a botched circumcision.

The department's Sizwe Kupelo urged police and the Nationa Prosecuting Authority to bring criminal charges against the perpetrators.

We have se aside R20 million [$US 1,860,550] for the situation. We are concerned and are asking locals to help get the situation under control."