The North West Department of Education has expressed shock and devastation following the alleged death of a 19-year-old Grade 12 learner from Tiego Tawana Secondary School in Dithakong East near Mafikeng.
Onalenna Booi is alleged to have died after being forcefully taken to an initiation school shortly after completing his matric examinations in late November 2025.
According to reports, Booi’s family was unaware of his whereabouts and opened a missing persons case with the police. His body was later discovered on Friday, 26 December 2025.
School principal Pogiso Tshipo described Booi as a hardworking and determined learner, saying the school had high expectations for his academic performance and was anticipating a bachelor pass.
The North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, conveyed her condolences to the family, school community and classmates. She called for justice and stressed that the circumstances surrounding the learner’s alleged forced removal to an initiation school must be fully investigated.
“The loss of a learner under such circumstances is deeply troubling. We call on law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation so that those responsible can be held accountable,” Motsumi said.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, at Tiego Tawana Secondary School. The funeral service is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 03 January 2026, in Dithakong East.
Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.