The North West Department of Education and the wider community of Dithakong East near Mafikeng have been plunged into deep shock and mourning following the alleged death of a 19-year-old Grade 12 learner, Onalenna Booi. Booi, a pupil at Tiego Tawana Secondary School, is reported to have died after being forcefully taken to an initiation school shortly after completing his matric examinations in late November 2025.
According to initial reports, Booi went missing soon after writing his final examinations. His disappearance raised alarm among family members, who reportedly had no knowledge of his whereabouts or consented to his participation in any initiation process. After days of uncertainty and growing concern, the family opened a missing person case with the South African Police Service. The search ended in tragedy when Booi’s body was discovered on Friday, 26 December 2025.
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The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and subsequent death have sparked outrage and renewed debate around the safety, regulation and consent involved in traditional initiation practices. Authorities are now expected to investigate how the learner was allegedly taken against his will and what led to his death while at the initiation school.
Tiego Tawana Secondary School principal, Mr Pogiso Tshipo, described Booi as a dedicated and ambitious learner who had a promising future ahead of him. He said the school was devastated by the loss, adding that Booi was hardworking, disciplined and showed strong academic potential. “We were expecting a bachelor’s pass from him. He was determined to succeed and make his family and school proud,” Tshipo said.
The Member of the Executive Council (MEC) for Education in the North West, Viola Motsumi, has also expressed deep sorrow over the learner’s death. In her message of condolence, she extended sympathies to Booi’s family, friends, teachers and fellow learners, stating that the department was heartbroken by the incident. Motsumi called for a thorough investigation to ensure accountability, stressing that no learner should ever lose their life under such circumstances.
“The alleged forceful taking of a learner to an initiation school is a serious matter that cannot be ignored. Justice must prevail, and those responsible must be held accountable,” she said. The MEC further highlighted the importance of protecting children and young people, especially during periods following examinations when learners are particularly vulnerable.
The tragic incident has once again brought attention to the need for stricter monitoring of initiation schools and greater collaboration between communities, traditional leaders and law enforcement to prevent similar incidents. Civil society groups and community members have called for clearer regulations to ensure that initiation practices are conducted safely, lawfully and with full consent.
A memorial service in honour of Onalenna Booi will be held on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, at Tiego Tawana Secondary School, where classmates and teachers will gather to pay tribute to his life and achievements. His funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, 03 January 2026, in Dithakong East.
As investigations continue, Booi’s death stands as a painful reminder of the urgent need to safeguard the lives and rights of young people across South Africa.
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