DURBAN - A 32-year-old man has died at an initiation school in Bloemfontein, police said on Thursday.
According to provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Motantsi Makhele, the death took place on Christmas day.
"Parkweg police are investigating a case of murder following the death of 32-year-old Makume Zachariah Molise from Phase 10, Mangaung, at an initiation school in Lauriepark, Bloemfontein.
"It is alleged that Makume was sleeping with other initiates when he started snoring and hallucinating in the early hours of December 25 at around 1am. He ran away and other initiates and the school teacher chased him until they caught up to him," said Makhele.
He said the initiation teacher alleged they had tried to contain the man as he was "hysterical". After some time, the teacher told police, they thought they had calmed him, but discovered he was dead.
"The police were alerted and the deceased was found with bruises on the body. Investigations to determine the cause of death are continuing, and arrests are imminent," said Makhele.