21 initiates saved from illegal institution in Theunissen | Parys Gazette

The Free State Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) In collaboration with the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC), members of the public urged the public to remain vigilant and to report all the initiation schools that illegally work in various parts of the province. The initiation season was officially opened on 27 June and closes on July 18, in accordance with the provincial school holidays.

So far, two (2) deaths have been included – one in Bot Shabelo and another in Bethulie. The police are currently investigating these matters. In Bethulie, two male initiates received medical help after they were found with swollen feet. The cause of their condition is still being investigated. In Peace, in the Thabo Mofutsanyana district, two cases of missing initiates were reported to the police. The insiders are between 15 and
27.

A cooperation effort between the community, the PICC and the police have led to saving 21 initiates of an illegal initiation school in Thunissen. The initiation school has since been closed and the insiders have been reunited with their families. One of the insiders was brought to the hospital for medical attention.

So far, six (6) criminal cases have been opened with law enforcement agencies in the province. Four arrests were also made in Thunissen. The suspects include a school director and three care providers, says Mondli Mvambi spokesperson for the Free State Department of Health.

Mvambi said that one of the contributors to fatalities and injuries during the usual initiation is the continuous effect of illegal schools in the province. The legislation requires that all usual initiation schools are registered at the PICC three months before the start of the initiation season, so that they are considered legal and not considered outside the regulatory framework.

Parents and/or guardians are encouraged to investigate and to ensure that the initiation schools where their children are registered are registered with PICC and meet the custom initiation law (no. 2 of 2021). Non -registered initiation schools will be considered illegal and legislation will be enforced.

Members of the public can use the following contact details to report irregularities and illegal initiation schools

Mr. Thabo Lehabe: (079) 210 5935 or

Mr Daniel NTEO: (063) 834 7523.