Another initiation death shocks EC village

The death of an initiate on Thursday in Zola administrative area in Lesseyton has shocked the village.

The death of Mlungisi Mkhonwana brought the Eastern Cape death toll to 22 this summer.

Mkhonwana’s family said they had prepared for his homecoming celebrations. Invitations were sent out, and preparations made for the homecoming party on Saturday.

Ward councillor Unathi Mlindazwe said the initiate seemed well when his father visited him during the early hours of Thursday. “There was nothing wrong with him and he was excited that he would be coming home,” Mlindazwe said.

He said they were shocked when they heard he had died just a few hours later.

“This has shocked the residents of Lesseyton. He only complained of [sore] tonsils but when the traditional nurse came to check on him, he was not moving," he said.

Mlindazwe said the Mkhonwana family was struggling to come to terms with their loss.

“This is a bad thing and it needs Lesseyton men to get together and look after initiates,” he said.

Chris Hani District initiation forum chair chief Xolela Mbali said: “This is sad news for the family and the entire Lesseyton community. The initiate complained of [throat and leg pain] but when he was asked to go to hospital he refused.”

Mbali said the death could have been prevented. “I have called a meeting with all men from Zola location to discuss the death and how can we prevent other initiate deaths in the area.” He said they were now waiting for the postmortem results.

Co-operative governance and traditional affairs spokesperson Mamkeli Ngam said: “So far we have 21 deaths and this initiate will be number 22 when we get official confirmation from the department of health.”