By Seleoe Nonyane
The recent reports of deaths at initiation schools have triggered calls for legislation to regulate the practice.
Although police could not provide the exact number of deaths this week, the recent Christmas break which is the traditional graduation season of initiates was plagued by reports of initiates who had died of suspected unnatural causes across the country.
One such victim is 39-year-old Neo Mokhethea of Lekokoaneng Ha Lehlohonolo who died at an initiation school at Ha Molemane in TY on November 30.
According to police investigations, the deceased’s body had bruises which suggested that he may have been assaulted.
Acting Lesotho Mounted Police Service spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Kabelo Halahala confirmed that they had found bruises on an (unspecified) initiate’s corpse.
Halahala this week said that investigations are in full swing to get to the bottom of what happened to the deceased initiate.
No arrests have so far been made in connection with any of the deaths.
He could not be drawn into commenting on the possible causes of the deaths, claiming he did not know what happens at initiation schools.
“No one has been charged yet, so the truth about the deaths will only be known when the suspects eventually appear in court.
“I am not in a position to provide the exact number of how many men lost their lives during this past initiation season. If you need the statistics, you will have to write to the commissioner of police to get them.
“Besides, we provide such updates on a regular basis and you should be able to add up the number of deaths from those weekly police reports,” he quipped in an interview with theReporter.
Halahala indicated that initiation killings are mostly occur in the Maseru, Berea and Leribe districts.
For his part, the Principal Chief of Koeneng and Mapoteng, Peete Lesaoana Peete, this week described the killings as a ‘shame’.
Peete, who is also a member of the Senate, called on parliament to pass legislation that regulates initiation and related matters.
“The legislation would provide direction on issues such as who should qualify to become an initiation school instructor.
“Although as society we acknowledge that death is something that can happen anywhere, anytime, it is still unacceptable and unfortunate if the deaths at initiation schools are murders.
“Initiation is part of Basotho’s tradition and culture; therefore, if a determination is made that the deaths are murders, this would be a disgrace. We do not expect such behaviour from a place where one hopes to practice their culture only to end up being killed,” he said.
Senator Peete pointed out that he had observed that one of the factors contributing to initiation school deaths is negligence.
He noted that negligence is evidenced by cases where initiation school owners or instructors lack the competence and experience to perform or supervise the rite.
He said that he fully supports initiation and encourages its preservation, but pleaded that it should not be associated with criminal activities.
Senator Peete emphasised the need for chiefs, as community leaders, to monitor initiation schools from enrolment to graduation.
“It is our responsibility as chiefs to keep a close eye on conditions and activities at initiation schools for the entire duration of the initiation process.
“This would enable us to pick up on any irregularities and illegal acts. That’s where the police come in; we expect them to perform their duties without any impediments from anyone. After all, they are responsible for the safety of all citizens.
“When a person goes to initiation school, they are expected to complete the training, and cannot quit or be forced to quit prematurely. Criminal activities at initiation school only serve to taint the image of the practice,” he added.
Meanwhile, an initiation school owner at Mokhethoaneng in Berea, Lehlohonolo Maphethekatse, regretted that some of the deaths at these traditional schools are usually uncalled for and could have been avoided.
Maphethekatse accused parents and guardians of sometimes failing to disclose initiates’ hidden or underlying medical conditions, which only flare up later when it is too late to save the life of initiates.
“In addition, we always urge initiation school owners to appoint well-experienced initiation instructors who have a family of their own as they are more competent when it comes to nurturing and taking care of others.
“It is vital that initiation schools work closely with initiated medical doctors because they will know what to do when one of the initiates gets sick.
“I have worked with them myself. Whenever I notice anything unusual, I call them to help out and all goes well,” he said.
Maphethekatse acknowledged that some deaths are a result of violence, and said he views them as criminal activities that can take place anywhere.
He conceded that some of the instructors are still young and need guidance and supervision from someone more experienced.
“The violence is unfortunate; there is no rule at initiation school that promotes or condones assault of initiates,” he added.
