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Two circumcision "schools" in Stinkwater and Lefatlheng (both in the Hammanskraal area) have been closed. This follows an urgent intervention by the North West MEC for Health, Dr Molefi Sefularo, and the police after reports of deaths linked to these initiation "schools".

"We cannot allow such atrocities against our young people to continue unabated. Our department will always intervene to protect the health and lives of our people," said Dr Sefularo after police had closed down the two "schools" yesterday.

On Friday alone, 20 boys were admitted, three were certified dead on arrival. Of the 17, two were admitted in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Of the two in the ICU, one passed away yesterday. So, in total, twenty-two boys were brought to the hospital during the course of last week. Seven boys of them have died. Of these, five were certified dead on arrival and two died in hospital.

The majority of the diagnoses are lung diseases (pneumonia, pleural effusion and sepsis) and malnutrition. It also appears that the majority of these boys suffered from severe cold. There were no diagnoses related to the condition of the circumcised areas. The causes of deaths will be confirmed after post-mortems have been done.

Dr Sefularo said that he was confident that the police will ensure that anyone found to have been responsible for this cruelty will be brought to book. "I hope those responsible for this callous brutality against innocent children will be prosecuted."

The MEC intends holding urgent discussions with key role-players to address this crisis. For Dr Sefularo, the critical issues that must be dealt with are health and hygiene, safety and security, kidnapping and commercialisation of this cultural practice which have led to untold misery.

Enquiries: Cornelius Monama, Director of Communication (082 578 4063)

Issued by the Office of the MEC for Health, North West, 15 July 2001