Six initiates injured after fire broke out at initiation school

A fire incident left six initiates and a traditional surgeon injured, after fire broke out at an initiation school in Bordeaux Village in Mopani, Limpopo on Tuesday evening.

The initiates were awoken by a huge blaze at around 23:00. While the fire was ultimately contained, a total of seven people sustained injuries from the blaze.

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The six were immediately admitted to Dr CN Phatudi Hospital for medical treatment, but one of the initiates was immediately transferred to Letaba Regional Hospital for advanced care.

However, shortly after the transfer, the family of the injured initiate decided to withdraw him from the public facility, reportedly to seek treatment elsewhere. The surgeon has been discharged.

The remaining 18 initiates who survived the blaze remain safe, and an alternative school was immediately erected to allow them to complete the season.

The MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs, Basikopo Makamu, visited the injured imitates on Wednesday.

“The incident is shocking indeed. We never expected such news during this initiation season due to extensive preparations which were made by the department and the PICC and other sister departments,” said Makamu.

“It leaves us without enough words to comfort the families of the affected kids, as well as the surgeon. We really wish them a speedy recovery.”

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Meanwhile, the Limpopo Department of Health says the remaining five initiates are in a stable condition.

“Our dedicated healthcare professionals are monitoring their progress closely and they are satisfied with their progress so far,” said departmental spokesperson Neil Shikwambana.

“They are expected to be discharged in the coming days, subject to final clinical assessments. We commend the swift action of emergency and clinical teams involved in this incident and thank the families for their cooperation during this sensitive time.”