The North West Department of Education was shocked and devastated to learn about the death of Onalenna Booi, a 19-year-old Grade 12 learner from Tiego Tawana Secondary School in Dithakong East Village near Mafikeng.
Booi allegedly died after he was taken forcefully to an initiation school after finishing the writing of his matric examinations in late November 2025.
It was reported that the family did not know about Booi’s whereabouts and they reported it to the Rustenburg police. It is further reported that the family found the deceased’s body last Friday, 26 December 2025.
Mr Pogiso Tshipo, the School Principal for Tiego Tawana Secondary School, highlighted that he was expecting a bachelor pass from this learner.
“As the school principal for this learner, I am extremely devastated by these sad news. I was expecting a bachelor pass from this learner because I know that he was one of the hard-working group of learners. I remember that I spoke to him around September 2025 and he promised to do well in his examinations,” he said admitting that he was naughty just like all the learners, but when he started Grade 12, his behaviour drastically changed.
“One could see that this was a learner who was hungry and determined to perform well in his Grade 12 class. At our school I had 59 Grade 12 learners, now next year I will be releasing the results to only 58 learners. I don’t even know how we are going to handle this process as the school,” added Mr Tshipo.
North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi, conveyed her condolences to the bereaved family. “On behalf of the North West Department of Education, I hereby wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the entire family and the school community of Tiego Tawana Secondary School. It is really sad to receive such news while we, as a country, are awaiting the results of the Class of 2025.”
She added that she is confident that the South African Police Service will be able to get to the bottom of this matter and that those responsible will be found and brought to justice.
“We will ensure that the family, learners and teachers are provided with psychosocial support during this difficult period,” said Motsumi.
North West SAPS spokesperson Brigadier Sebata Mokgoabone told Mapepeza that, “South African Police Service (SAPS) in the province confirms that police in Lomanyaneng opened an inquest docket for invesstigation following the death of a 19-year-old Onalenna Booi on Thursday, 26 December 2025, at Setlopo village, Mahikeng.”
The memorial service will be held on Wednesday, 31 December 2025 at Tiego Tawana Secondary School Hall at 8am.
The funeral service will take place on Saturday, 03 January 2026 at House Number 10599 in Dithakong East near Church of Christ at 07:00.
