Two teenage boys have been arrested for running an illegal initiation school in the Eastern Cape, health officials said on Sunday.

Spokesperson for the department of health Sizwe Kupelo said the two boys aged 17 and 18 were arrested on Saturday for allegedly running an illegal initiation school in Libode.

They had already circumcised four boys when they were arrested, he said.

"The four boys were rescued and handed over to the local chief and community for a proper initiation."

The 17-year-old was alleged to have cut the boys.

Kupelo said the health department aimed at cutting the rate of initiation-related deaths to zero.

"In June we had 23 death and this time we will continue with raiding illegal schools to cut the death rate to zero," he said.

Sapa