HIV risk to initiates of illegal circumcision

South African authorities are considering the introduction of new courts in an effort to stamp out the practice of illegal ritual circumcisions that can leave young men dead, mutilated or at risk of HIV infection.

Reuters quoted health department spokesman Sizwe Kupelo as saying: "It [illegal circumcision] also contributes to HIV/AIDS. We had one man who had done 161 boys with the same instrument. By setting up these courts, we want to tackle traditional circumcision offenders head-on. We are talking to the justice department to see if it is possible."

Offenders who break the law could face up to 15 years in prison, but of the 60 arrested since 2002, only 25 have been convicted and some are still awaiting trial.

According to the Eastern Cape health department, more than 6,000 initiates have been admitted to provincial hospitals since 1995, with over 30 dying and 70 having to have their genitals amputated after complications or infections.