Tuesday, December 30, 2025 - A 19-year-old matric pupil from Tiego Tawana Secondary School in Dithakang village near Mafikeng, in South Africa’s North West province, has died after he was allegedly forcefully taken to an initiation school.
The deceased, Onalenna Booi, was reported missing by his
family after he completed his examinations in late November. According to
relatives, his body was later discovered after the matter was reported to the
police.
The principal of Tiego Tawana Secondary School, Pogiso
Tshipo, expressed shock and grief over the incident, describing the loss as
devastating.
“I am devastated by the sad news. I was expecting a
bachelor’s matric pass from the pupil,” Tshipo said.
He described Booi as a hardworking and determined student
who had shown significant personal growth during his final year of school.
“I spoke to him in September and he promised to do well in
his examinations. He was naughty, but when he started Grade 12 his behaviour
changed drastically,” Tshipo said. “You could see this was a pupil who was
hungry and determined to perform well.”
The circumstances surrounding Booi’s death remain under
investigation, with calls from the family and community for clarity over the
alleged forced initiation and accountability for those involved.
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