Africa News
Botched circumcision claims second life among South Africa Xhosa
Jun 23, 2007, 16:55 GMT
Johannesburg - A 16-year-old boy died Saturday after a botched circumcision by a traditional surgeon in South Africa's Eastern Cape province, the second youth in the province to lose his life following the initiation procedure.
Two other boys, who were members of the same initiation group, were in serious condition in hospital after their penises were mutilated, SAPA news agency quoted health authorities as saying.
Earlier this month, a 15-year-old boy died after a bungled circumcision in the Eastern Cape.
At least 17 traditional surgeons have been arrested and dozens of boys rescued in an ongoing crackdown by police on illegal circumcision schools in the province.
Only certified traditional surgeons are allowed to perform circumcisions, carried out at the end of the initiation ritual marking the transition of Xhosa boys to manhood.
The Xhosa are South Africa's second-largest ethnic group after the Zulus. Famous Xhosas include former president Nelson Mandela and incumbent President Thabo Mbeki.
© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-AgenturCOMMENT
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SP4: What is it with these folks?Jun 23rd, 2007 - 19:00:08
What can you say about folks who seem to be overly interested in young boys penises?
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