Abstract
Traditional circumcision (initiation) is an integral part of the Xhosa speaking communities. Circumcision is the first step towards manhood. It involves a number of cultural, religious, legal and ethical issues, which in terms of the constitution of the Republic of South Africa, are rights that must be protected. To highlight the problem of circumcision related death in South Africa. This case report examines a 16- year boy who had died as result of botched circumcision by an unqualified traditional surgeon. He kept the boy in his custody despite his serious illness. He applied a tight bandage to control the bleeding, resulting in gangrene of the penis followed by septicemia. The histories, postmortem findings, cause of death and medico- legal and social aspects have been discussed in this manuscript. There are unacceptable deaths related with circumcision in South Africa. The right to life cannot be sacrificed at the altar of culture and politics.
Highlights
The origination of male circumcision is not known with certainty but has been existent from time immemorial
The ritual of male circumcision is performed at specific periods in life with the main purpose of integrating the male child into the society according to cultural norms[3]
Over the last two decades, following ritual male circumcision, thousands of youth have been admitted to hospitals, hundreds have undergone penile amputations and hundreds have died in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa[6]
Summary
The origination of male circumcision is not known with certainty but has been existent from time immemorial. The ritual of male circumcision is performed at specific periods in life with the main purpose of integrating the male child into the society according to cultural norms[3]. It is among the most secretive and sacred of rites practised by the Xhosa speaking people of South Africa. Case Report: This case report examines a 16- year boy who had died as result of botched circumcision by an unqualified traditional surgeon He kept the boy in his custody despite his serious illness. The right to life cannot be sacrificed at the altar of culture and politics
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