PARENTS are up in arms against kidnappers who forcibly take their kids to initiation schools.
About 20 boys from around Etwatwa, Ekurhuleni, were kidnapped, with the youngest being 11 years old.
Some were found with the help of the cops at illegal initiation schools in Mamelodi, Tshwane, and Hebron in the North West.
Parents told Daily Sun the kidnappers also demanded cash deposits of R1 500 upwards.
“We get letters that they want money to buy food and for their services. We question who asked for their services,” said a parent.
Some parents said sending kids to initiation is against their religion.
“I’m a Christian and don’t believe in the practice.”
Another parent whose child was found at one of these schools in Tshwane said she’s traumatised.
“We hear some men lure these boys somewhere and they end up being kidnapped,” she said.
Parents said the kidnappers use a Quantum and a private car.
Colonel Molatelo Maoto of Etwatwa Police Station said their investigation revealed that some of these boys went there willingly.
“However, we found some of the kids that were taken without consent dumped at Hebron Police Station,” he said.
Maoto said schools that are not registered with Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) are often closed.
