ILLEGAL TRADITIONAL SURGEON SENTENCED PORT ST JOHN’S

21 August 2025

ILLEGAL TRADITIONAL SURGEON SENTENCED PORT ST JOHN’S

The Port St John’s Magistrates’ Court has sentenced Orlando Ngcaca (28) to three years’ direct imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to two counts of contravening the Customary Initiation Act of 2021. On 27 November 2024, Ngcaca illegally circumcised two boys, both aged 11, without the knowledge or consent of their parents. The incident occurred at Siqhozameni Locality, Port St John’s.

The boys had approached Ngcaca the previous day with R30, requesting to be circumcised. He demanded R100 or live chickens as payment and instructed them to return the next day. When they came back to retrieve their money, Ngcaca instead ordered them into a rondavel at his home, circumcised them, and sent them to an initiation school without the required medical certificates or parental consent.

The matter was initially delayed as one of the guardians refused to submit a medical report, but eventually complied following consultations. Ngcaca was arrested after the parents reported him to the police, appeared in court on 09 December 2024, and was granted R1,000 bail.

After tendering his guilty plea, the accused was convicted and sentenced. Both counts were taken together for sentencing purposes. The court noted that while the victims did not suffer permanent disfigurement or loss of penile function, the accused’s actions placed their lives at serious risk.

Welcoming the sentence, Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Barry Madolo commended the parents for their responsible actions, saying: “The children could easily have died under the reckless care of the so-called surgeon and his accomplices. These cases are seldom finalised due to non-compliance with investigations. Initiates often believe that revealing certain secrets of the custom in court undermines their manhood, making them reluctant to testify or submit statements. The courage of these parents ensured justice.”

Issued by:

Luxolo Tyali

NPA Regional Spokesperson

Eastern Cape Division

Tel: 047 501 2630

Email: ltyali@npa.gov.za