Several young men have disappeared.

Police say, people who have opened bogus initiation schools, are demanding ransom for their release. 

Meanwhile, thirty initiates have died and over 80 have been admitted to hospitals in the Eastern Cape.

It's only halfway into the two-month long Ulwaluko summer season which runs until 12 January.

Sibonokuhle Mthombeni (17) died on Monday at his initiation-hut during a heavy storm.

Another initiate is lying in ICU with 60 percent burn wounds as his mother keeps watch.

In a recent statement, CoGTA Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma called on all role players, especially the custodians of cultural practices working with health practitioners, to put in place the necessary preventative measures to avoid further casualties.

eNCA