The death toll from botched circumcisions has rise to nine in South Africa since the beginning of this winter season, authorities said on Friday. 
All the deaths were reported in the Eastern Cape Province where botched circumcisions are common.
Meanwhile, more than 50 initiates have been taken to rescue centers after sustaining injuries, the provincial health department said.
But the department refused to declare the situation a “crisis”, saying the situation was still under control.
Police have launched an investigation into the deaths in relation to circumcision rituals.
The ruling African National Congress (ANC) in the province voiced concern over the on-going deaths of initiatives despite the interventions by the government and nongovernmental organizations.
Illegal initiation rituals, which do not meet health and safety standards, claim many lives in South Africa every year.
Between 2005 and 2015, 500 initiates died while 300 have lost their manhood, according to the South African Broadcasting Corporation.
According to local custom, circumcisions are normally viewed as a traditional passage for a young boy to enter manhood.
Traditional leaders and local authorities have been campaigning to ensure the circumcisions could meet stringent health and safety standards. Enditem
