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Botched circumcision kills four teenagers in S. Africa

Xinhua, June 29, 2015 Adjust font size:

Four teenagers have been killed as a result of botched circumcision in South Africa since the circumcision season began in June, authorities said on Sunday.

At least 10 other teenagers have been hospitalized due to injuries during their initiation rituals.

The deaths and injuries were reported in the Eastern Cape alone, according to the provincial health department.

Spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said the four boys were from the Port St Johns, Qumbu, Ngqeleni, and Chris Hani districts.

Police have launched an investigation into the deaths in relation to circumcision rituals.

Illegal initiation rituals, which do not meet health and safety standards, claim many lives in South Africa every year.

About 300 initiates have died over the past few years, while 2, 000 of them are suffering serious injuries, official figures show.

According to local custom, the initiations are normally viewed as a traditional passage for a young boy to enter manhood.

Traditional leaders and local authorities have been campaigning to ensure the circumcisions could meet stringent health and safety standards. Endi