Circumcision: 15 in hospital

2005-06-27 11:55

Johannesburg - Fifteen boys have been admitted to Tshilidzini Hospital in Limpopo after botched circumcisions, the Limpopo health department said on Monday.

Department spokesperson Phuti Seloba said the boys were admitted after they were found in a serious condition at an illegal private clinic at Ha-Ramukhuba in the Vuwani district near Thohoyandou on Sunday afternoon.

"The department got a tip-off about an illegal circumcision school and went to investigate. That's when they found the boys," said Seloba.

"They are now in a critical but stable condition and we believe that they will be out of danger soon."

Sebola called on parents to act responsibly and take their children to properly registered circumcision schools.

"The department is tired of this kind of irresponsible behaviour from parents. There are registered, fully functioning circumcision schools in the province and parents are aware of them," said Seloba.

"Workshops were conducted in the province to educate parents about the schools, but it seems they prefer backdoor circumcisions, which are very dangerous and painful."

Seloba said the department was investigating possible ways to deal with people operating illegal circumcision schools.

- SAPA