Three initiates have died in the Eastern Cape since the summer initiation season began late last month.

All are in the OR Tambo district municipality jurisdiction – an area in the Mpondoland notorious for initiation deaths and penile amputations over the years.

One of the initiates, who died late last week, is said to have committed suicide.

At the time of writing yesterday, it was not yet clear as to what caused the initiate to take his life. An inquest docket has since been opened with police, according to cooperative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) spokesman Mamnkeli Ngam.

Yesterday, Ngam said one initiate, who was in the bush illegally, died over the weekend as a result of a circumcision turned septic.

The matter has been reported to the police.

Ngam said two of the initiates were under age – one was 15 and the other 17.

According to the new Male Cultural Initiation Act, which in the winter season saw a number of bogus traditional surgeons and nurses jailed for illegal circumcision, only boys 18 and older can undergo the rite.

Ngam said the initiate who hanged himself, 15, had been identified as a Port St Johns resident. The Dispatch has withheld his name.

The second initiate was identified as Anele Nyawuse, 17, of Ehlabathini administrative area in Flagstaff. The one who died this weekend, has been identified as Sibuyise Somkoko.

“The cause of the death of is not yet known,” said Ngam, adding a case of illegal circumcision had been opened concerning the circumcision and death of Nyawuse, who was under age.

Ngam said Nyawuse was with 10 other initiates at the initiation school, one of whom was admitted to hospital with complications.

Cogta MEC Fikile Xasa yesterday sent his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

More than 15000 boys are believed to have already undergone the rite this season, with some expected to start graduating this coming weekend.

The provincial government, traditional leaders and other stakeholders before this season criss-crossed the Eastern Cape on awareness campaigns in a bid to prevent deaths and injuries in initiation schools.

OR Tambo Traditional Initiation Forum chairman Nkosi Mkhanyiseli Dudumayo yesterday expressed shock at the deaths and the fact that the initiates were under age.

“We have good and clear laws in place, but there are people who are hellbent on circumcising under age boys, placing their lives in danger.

“This needs thorough investigation as to whether the parents have followed proper channels because all those who broke the law, must be arrested and jailed,” said Dudumayo. — lulamilef@dispatch.co.za