The Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela has expressed gratitude to the traditional leadership that worked and in collaboration with the SAPS which resulted in the safe return of 17 young men aged between 15 and 21 in Kriel today, Thursday 18 May 2023.

The young men are said to be in a traditional initiation process.

According to the report, the initiates left yesterday, Wednesday 17 May 2023 and they were sought by their families. This morning (18 May 2023) a team consisting of members of the Police working in conjunction with the traditional leadership led by uNdabezitha Ntsizwa Mahlangu managed to bring back all the initiates safely and in good health condition around 11h00am.

The General has further thanked Mr Mandla Stanley Mahlangu and Mr Bhuti Mnguni for their unwavering support throughout the quest to locate the initiates.

Source: South African Police Service