Speaking during a council meeting on Thursday (30/10), Afrikan Alliance for Social Democrats Cllr Lucky Mongale expressed deep concern over the rise in criminal activities linked to illegal initiation schools and called on law enforcement agencies to take immediate action. Mongale urged police visibility in the metro, especially in townships where gangsterism remains rife, to ensure matriculants can write their final exams safely and without disruption. 

Unlawful initiation schools are contributing to the growing crime problem in the city. “Part of the problem of Mangaung is the existence of the initiation schools. Some of them are not regulated, and they create a catastrophe in this city,” he said.

“I don’t understand what kind of initiation school it is that … when people have graduated from it, they become a problem to society. We know the historical perspective was that when you come from initiation school, you become a better person, you become a protector of a community, not the one who attacks the community without any provocation.”

Mongale also criticised the lack of police intervention and expressed frustration at what he described as the inactivity of the Hawks in the Free State. “I don’t want to talk about the Hawks because the Hawks are on honeymoon.

“Maybe we need characters like (KZN police commissioner) Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi because in the Free State, there are no Hawks. I know they will want to claim office, office is not existence. 

‘Many of the injuries and deaths stem from illegal and unregulated schools’

“Existence is when you are actively doing something for the people around you. The camps are expensive, and most parents are struggling to pay for their kids for matric camps.”

Free State police are investigating the causes of death of two initiates who died in Botshabelo and Bethulie in July. In another case, two male initiates were treated for swollen feet after being discovered in distress. 

Meanwhile, in Vrede, two initiates (15 and 27) were reported missing. Cooperative governance and traditional affairs spokesperson Zimasa Mbewu previously emphasised many of the injuries and deaths reported during the initiation season stem from illegal and unregulated schools operating outside the legal framework.

The Customary Initiation Act (No. 2 of 2021) stipulates all initiation schools must be registered with the provincial initiation coordinating committee at least three months before the start of the season. Failure to comply renders a school illegal.

Parents and guardians are urged to verify the initiation schools where their children are enrolled are registered and compliant with the Customary Initiation Act.

Suspected illegal initiation schools or irregularities in the Free State can be reported to Thabo Lehabe on 079 210 5935 or Daniel Nteo on 063 834 7523.

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OFM News/ Kekeletso Mosebetsi mvh