Winter initiation deaths rise as Cogta uncovers 58 illegal schools
Hlabisa condemned the continued operation of illegal initiation schools, warning that those who established, facilitated or participated in such schools were committing criminal offences and would face the full force of the law.
The number of fatalities in the 2026 winter initiation season has risen to 43, with 75 initiates hospitalised and 180 rescued from illegal schools, according to preliminary reports received by the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs as of 12 July 2026.
COGTA said it would continue working with Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committees and relevant stakeholders to strengthen monitoring and enforcement for the remainder of the winter season.
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