No arrests in ritual initiation deaths
THE National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and police in Mpumalanga have failed to clarify why there have been no arrests or prosecutions in connection with 27 deaths during initiation rituals between May and June.
In June, provincial police said that 27 murder cases had been opened after the deaths of 29 young men at initiation schools across Mpumalanga. Two of the deaths were found to be from natural causes.
Police said the investigations had been concluded and officers were awaiting a decision from the NPA before making any arrests.
But the NPA said the inves- tigations were continuing.
“Take note of the fact that I am not blaming anyone here and that includes our police service. The allegations that we are playing delaying tactics are unfounded,” said NPA regional spokesman Medupi Simasiku.
He said the cases were receiving attention from “all sectors in the system”.
In June, provincial House of Traditional Leaders chairman Kgoshi Mathupa Mokoena said the names of the people believed to be involved in the deaths were forwarded to the police.
When contacted for comment, Mpumalanga police’s head of communication, Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, contradicted Simasiku.
“The police are done with investigations and have sent the dockets to the director of public prosecutions.”
He said some dockets were returned in July for information gaps to be filled, but that these had since been returned.
“We are now waiting for the NPA,” said Mohlala.
The 29 deaths occurred in Siyabuswa, KwaMhlanga, Verena, Kwaggafontein, Middelburg, Bethal, Belfast and Evander.
Provincial health department spokesman Ronnie Masilela said the deaths were caused by dehydration and loss of blood.
He said traditional surgical training had been done in collaboration with the traditional leaders. Although certification for only 38 initiation schools were issued, at least 134 were active this year. — African Eye News Service