'We expected a bachelor pass': Shock as North West matric pupil dies, allegedly after being taken to initiation

A 19-year-old Grade 12 learner from Tiego Tawana Secondary School in the North West province has died after allegedly being taken forcibly to an initiation school shortly after completing his matric examinations in late November 2025.

The North West Department of Education confirmed the death of Onalenna Booi, in a media statement issued on Sunday, December 28.

The school is based in Dithakong East village near Mafikeng.

The department said it was shocked and devastated by the learner’s death.

According to the statement, the family was unaware of the learner’s whereabouts and reported him missing to police. 

His body was discovered on Friday, December 26, 2025.

The school principal, Pogiso Tshipo, said the learner, identified as Booi, was expected to achieve a bachelor’s pass.

“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 described the learner as playful but highly determined in his final 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.

“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.”

Meanwhile, North West MEC for Education Viola Motsumi conveyed her condolences to the bereaved 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 said a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 8.am at the Tiego Tawana Secondary School hall.

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

IOL News