Uitenhage initiate dies after seizure caused by suspected drug overdose

A UITENHAGE initiate died early yesterday of a suspected drug overdose.

Luphelo Madela, 19, from Kwa-Nobuhle, is the first initiate in the Nelson Mandela Bay region to die this season.

However, the Eastern Cape department of health was adamant his death was not linked to his circumcision. Spokesman Sizwe Kupelo said it was as a result of a drug overdose which had led to an epileptic seizure.

The Bay prides itself as a safe area for the initiation season and it has a good history, with only one death over the last five years.

Kupelo said Madela was circumcised on November 27.

“Madela did not die because of a botched circumcision. He died of an epileptic fit brought on by suspected substance abuse, [suspected to be] mandrax or dagga.

“We want to make it clear that we don’t consider this a normal initiation death.

“Nelson Mandela Bay remains one of the districts that are performing the safest and best controlled circumcision in the province,” he said.

Bay deputy mayor Mongameli Bobani said he was shocked and saddened by Madela’s death.

“Madela, who was alone in his initiation hut, was found dead by other initiates yesterday morning,” he said.

“We believe that he suffered from epilepsy, something that the parents never declared when he went for a doctor’s medical check-up before he was circumcised.

“It’s one of those natural and unforeseen circumstances.

“At the moment, we are waiting for the postmortem results to determine the cause of death.”

Bobani and mayor Athol Trollip will be visiting circumcision schools across the metro to assess the progress made in relation to safety and hygiene issues. They will also visit Madela’s family. Relative Sicelo Tsotsa said the family was unable to talk to the media as they were still in shock about the teen’s death.

Police spokesman Sergeant Majola Nkohli said an inquest docket had been opened.