Ga-Raphahlelo residents in the Sekgosese area have accused the caretakers of a local initiation school of abusing and extorting community members. In a letter dated July 3, 2024, sent to the local tribal authority, Limpopo Deputy Police Commissioner Major-General Jan Scheepers, and the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee, residents claimed they were being intimidated and extorted by the school’s caretakers.
Community leader Mohale Mampshe told Capricorn News that a vigilante group from the school has been going to the homes of women seen wearing pants and demanding R450 as a fine.
Mohale Mampshe, stated that “ People were forced to cancel events like weddings and parties because the initiation schools are open, which he said is unfair in a democratic society.”
Mampshe stressed that while the community respects initiation schools, any rules should have been discussed before the schools opened, not imposed suddenly.
The Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee condemned the incident and advised residents to file criminal cases with the police. Spokesperson Tsakani Baloyi said it is illegal for initiation school owners to intimidate and abuse people under the Initiation Schools’ Act and Customary Initiation Act.
Meanwhile, the Limpopo police have denied any involvement in a witch hunt. According to the Capricorn News Mampshe, fearing for his life, has moved to a place of safety, accusing the police of working with the school owners against the residents.
Police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba stated that a task team led by provincial commissioner Lt. Gen. Thembi Hadebe had already arrested seven people. Investigations are ongoing, and the police urge anyone with information to come forward.
