34 initiates have died during this initiation season in EC

JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in the Eastern Cape says 34 initiates have died during this initiation season.

The Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Communities is expected to meet next month to determine appropriate steps to end the deaths of initiates.

READ: INITIATION SEASON | 30 INITIATES DEAD IN EASTERN CAPE

There have also been reports of killings and rapes of initiates.

Earlier this month, Premier Oscar Mabuyane called on law enforcement to tighten the grip on criminals who target initiation schools.