Tragedy: Two Boys Die in Gauteng Bogus Initiation Schools
In a shocking turn of events, two boys tragically died after being kidnapped and forced into bogus initiation schools in Gauteng, South Africa.
The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) confirmed the tragic news.
The tragic deaths of the two boys at the initiation school have exposed the alarming surge in bogus initiation schools in Gauteng.
Also Read: Triple Homicide: Three Siblings Gunned Down At An Eastern Cape Initiation School
Over 100 Boys Rescued from Illicit Initiation Practices Across Gauteng
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, CoGTA spokesperson Tiki Kekana revealed that more than 100 boys have been rescued and reunited with their families after being taken from various bogus initiation schools across Gauteng.
The kids are set to receive psych-social support to help them heal them from the traumatic experience they endured.
“We have rescued all these kids and reunited them with their families. They will receive psycho-social support from the Department of Social Development,” Kekana stated.
To date, authorities have arrested three suspects linked to the kidnappings and the operation of these fraudulent initiation schools.
CoGTA and Police Crack Down on Perpetrators Running Exploitative Initiation Rackets
Tiki Kekana noted that Tshwane had the highest number of kidnappings, with 69 boys abducted in Winterveld alone.
The kidnappings are believed to be financially motivated, with perpetrators demanding ransom from the boys’ families.
“In the past, the practice was not regulated, and kids and parents were forced to pay certain amounts, similar to school fees. CoGTA has formed an initiation monitoring committee that works closely with the South African Police Service. When they get tips from community members, they can go there with police, close the schools, and arrest the perpetrators,” Kekana explained.