43 boys die in South Africa tribal circumcision ritual

At least 43 teenage boys have died and dozens been mutilated in South Africa's traditional Xhosa circumcision ritual, Ulwaluko, in 2026. Untrained operators using unsterilised blades at illegal bush camps caused the deaths. Over 1,000 penile amputations were recorded in the last decade. The government had aimed for zero deaths but failed.