North West Matric Learner Dies After Being Forcibly Taken To Initiation School

A 19-year-old Grade 12 learner from the North West province has died after allegedly being forcibly taken to an initiation school shortly after completing his matric examinations.

The death of Onalenna Booi, a learner at Tiego Tawana Secondary School near Mafikeng, has sparked shock and grief across the school community and the province.

Learner Reported Missing Before Body Discovered

The North West Department of Education confirmed Booi’s death in a statement released on Sunday, 28 December.

According to the department, the learner went missing in late November 2025, shortly after finishing his final matric exams. His family, unaware of his whereabouts, reported him missing to the police.

Booi’s body was discovered on Friday, 26 December 2025. Circumstances surrounding his death are under investigation, with allegations that he was taken against his will to an initiation school.

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The school is located in Dithakong East village, near Mafikeng.

‘I Was Expecting a Bachelor Pass’ — Principal

School principal Pogiso Tshipo said the news had left the school devastated, describing Booi as a determined learner with strong academic potential.

“As the school principal, I am extremely devastated by this sad news,” Tshipo said.

“I was expecting a bachelor pass from this learner because he was one of the hard-working learners. I spoke to him around September 2025 and he promised to do well in his examinations.”

Tshipo said Booi had matured significantly during his matric year.

“He was naughty like many learners, but when he started Grade 12 his behaviour changed drastically. You could see he was hungry and determined to perform well,” he said.

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“At our school we had 59 Grade 12 learners. Next year I will be releasing results to only 58. I don’t even know how we are going to handle this process as a school.”

Education MEC Calls for Justice, Support for Family

North West MEC for Education Viola Motsumi extended condolences to Booi’s family and the school community.

“On behalf of the North West Department of Education, I wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the family and the Tiego Tawana Secondary School community,” Motsumi said.

“It is deeply painful to receive such news as the country awaits the Class of 2025 results.

“I am confident the South African Police Service will get to the bottom of this matter and that those responsible will be brought to justice. We will ensure the family, learners and teachers receive psychosocial support during this difficult period.”

The department confirmed that a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, at 8am at the Tiego Tawana Secondary School hall.

The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, 3 January 2026, at 7am at House No. 10599, Dithakong East, near the Church of Christ.

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