Desperate parents in Ntsweletsoku Village, near Zeerust, are pleading for help as they continue searching for their missing sons, believed to have been taken to illegal initiation schools. At least eight young men remain unaccounted for, while three others were found on Wednesday in poor health after enduring harsh conditions.
The North West Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee has shut down 14 illegal initiation schools across three districts in the past week, rescuing 67 initiates. Many of these schools were reportedly run by inexperienced young men, some as young as 21, leading to dangerous and unregulated practices.
Community in Anguish
Frustrated parents and community members have been working with police to track down the missing boys. One parent accused a former initiate of luring their children away.
“There is a boy who went to initiation school but did not complete it. He’s been communicating with the boys and misleading them,” said a concerned villager. “This initiation school is illegal, and that is why we suspect our children are there.”
Another parent described the ordeal of finding their child weak and suffering from chest pains after escaping. “They did not eat enough, and the place where they stayed was not in good condition,” the parent said.
Government Takes Action
Authorities have opened cases against the operators of the illegal schools, charging them with contravening initiation laws. The rescued boys have been transferred to registered initiation schools with parental consent.
“The schools we closed were about 14, and we have cases against the owners,” said a government official. “When we arrive, we find these schools are run by very young men, some with no experience, which is why we shut them down.”
Calls for Harsher Punishments
The House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders in the province has urged stricter penalties for those running illegal initiation schools, including collaboration with law enforcement and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to ensure severe sentencing.
“We need to engage security clusters to stop these illegal schools and prevent foreign nationals from conducting them,” a leader stated. “The NPA must be strict—there should be harsh sentencing for those involved.”
The winter initiation season continues until July 18, but authorities warn parents to verify the legitimacy of schools before sending their children. Meanwhile, the search for the missing boys intensifies as families cling to hope for their safe return.
