Teen could lose his penis after botched circumcision | News24

An Eastern Cape teen could lose his penis after a botched circumcision, while another is showing signs of assault after attending initiation school, the provincial health department said.

Spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo said the two were taken to different hospitals on Tuesday.

"The two had severe injuries. One was taken to the Nelson Mandela Central Hospital [in Mthatha]. He might lose his penis."

He emphasised that doctors would not amputate the organ.
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Including the pair, 13 teens had been hospitalised for botched circumcisions in the province over the last few weeks.

"All of this is unnecessary. Government is there to help. Going to hospital carries a stigma and that is why we are spending money hiring doctors to go to the schools."

He said boys at some schools were showing signs of dehydration, suggesting they were being denied access to water.

"Even boys with medical conditions who need chronic meds are being denied them," Kupelo said.

"It is only in one part [of the province] where the people are like this. There, the elders who were not circumcised are referred to as 'boys' and are not even allowed [to oversee the initiations]."

Teen could lose his penis after botched circumcision | News24