Burned Initiate Withdrawn from Letaba Hospital by Family Amid Ongoing Recovery of Others
Limpopo, South Africa – A critically injured initiate who sustained severe burns at a traditional initiation school in Bodweni Village, near Ofcolaco, has been withdrawn from Letaba Regional Hospital by his family, reportedly to pursue alternative treatment. The incident has drawn renewed attention to health and safety concerns surrounding initiation practices in the province.
According to a statement issued by the Limpopo Department of Health, six initiates sustained burn injuries during the incident. All six were initially admitted to Dr. CN Phatudi Hospital for urgent medical attention. One of the patients, in critical condition, was later transferred to Letaba Regional Hospital for specialized care.
“Shortly after the transfer, the family of the injured initiate decided to withdraw him from the public facility, reportedly to seek treatment elsewhere,” the Department said. No further details were provided regarding the nature or location of the alternative care being pursued.
The remaining five initiates are reported to be in stable condition and continue to receive treatment at Dr. CN Phatudi Hospital. “Our dedicated healthcare professionals are monitoring their progress closely and are satisfied with the recovery thus far. The patients are expected to be discharged in the coming days, pending final clinical assessments,” the statement noted.
The Department emphasized its ongoing commitment to the well-being of initiates and urged all stakeholders to maintain rigorous safety standards. “We continue to work closely with traditional leaders, health officials, and community stakeholders to safeguard the health and safety of initiates throughout the season,” the statement read.
Traditional leaders and initiation school operators were also urged to comply fully with safety regulations to prevent future incidents.
The Department concluded by commending the swift response of emergency and clinical teams involved and expressed appreciation for the cooperation of affected families during what it described as “a deeply sensitive time.”
This incident underscores persistent concerns over the safety of traditional initiation practices, which remain an important cultural rite of passage in many communities but continue to face scrutiny over health and safety compliance.
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