Limpopo COGTA Dept confirms first winter initiation season death

JOHANNESBURG - The Limpopo Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has confirmed its first winter initiation season death.

Nineteen-year-old Raymond Sekele died after being admitted to the Philadelphia Hospital in the Sekhukhune District.

It’s understood Sekele was receiving medical treatment for epilepsy during his admission at the initiation school.

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He suffered an epileptic attack last week and was rushed to hospital to seek medical care and receive further check-ups.

COGTA spokesperson Amos Phago said although measures have been put in place to prevent deaths during initiation season, more needs to be done.

"One death is one too many. Working closely with the department of health, education, the SAPS [South African Police Service] and the National Prosecuting Authority, we have put all systems in place to ensure that no life is lost. However, this death is a confirmation that we need to work even harder to avert fatalities during initiation season."