Concerns has risen as extortionists have resorted to targeting initiates and their families in Gugulethu, Western Cape.

OPPORTUNISTS

The Somagwaza Institute and the Gugulethu Initiation Forum have condemned extortionists that seek to disrupt this sacred process.

Sikelela Zokufa explained that the extortionists are mainly targeting female headed households demanding a protection fee for their children who are currently in initiation schools.

He said a 55-year-old woman filed a police report that a man had stormed into her home, demanding that she pays a protection fee for her child.

"We want to ensure parents that their children are safe, those boys at the mountain are protected by security personnel who are on standby for 24 hours a day," he said.

NO PLAYGROUND FOR CRIMINALS

Zokufa said they will not allow criminals to tamper with this process just to make a quick buck.

"We've discovered that it's one boy who is doing this, he's just a druggie who is targeting vulnerable women and threatening their lives and the lives of their children. The boy either calls or sends voice notes to the families sayjng that if they don't have the money then they should borrow it from someone or else their child will die at the mountain."

Traditional authorities have vowed to protect initiates throughout their initiation process.