Circumcision deaths rise

South African health officials say they are alarmed by the rise in deaths among men who have had botched traditional circumcisions, after 39 young men died in the last month after undergoing the rite of passage into manhood.

Health officials estimated yesterday that as many as six young men have died every weekend in the past few weeks and that more than 120 young men are in hospitals nursing their botched wounds.

The procedure is performed outdoors by a traditional leader who uses a spear to remove the foreskin.

Health officials say there is a high risk of infection, which can lead to amputation or even death.