100 initiates taken from school

2008-07-10 20:06

Johannesburg - More than 100 initiates, among them an eight-year-old boy, were removed from an initiation school in Hammanskraal, north of Pretoria, because the school failed to comply with municipal by-laws, reported the SABC on Thursday.

This comes after a 15-year-old's family alerted the police to have their child taken out of the school.

Some of the children were allegedly taken to the school without their parent's consent, reported the SABC.

Apparently, the parents were asked for money for the children to graduate or payment of a cow if the child was to be released before completing the initiation.

Jacqui Mofokeng, chairperson of the portfolio committee on community safety, said the school did not comply with cultural rules.

The initiation school principal said that not all initiates wanted to leave. According to some of them, they were there voluntarily and with their family's knowledge.

Three youths had complications

The principal was adamant that he had a certificate to operate. He also wanted to know what steps would be taken against other schools operating in the area.

The 15-year-old taken out of the school was admitted to hospital with complications. He allegedly refused treatment, the SABC reported.

Two other boys were also admitted at Jubilee Hospital with complications - but it was not clear if they were from the same school.

Authorities would later check on other schools. Charges have been brought, reported the SABC.

Meanwhile, in Limpopo, four initiates died from diarrhoea this week, police said.

Captain Mohale Ramatseba said: "One initiate died after complaining of diarrhoea on Tuesday. Three more died on Wednesday, also from diarrhoea, in Mankweng Hospital in Limpopo."

He said no one had been arrested as the school was legal.

- SAPA