By OBAKENG MAJE
30 December 2025- North West MEC for Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (COGHSTA), Oageng Molapisi has sent his heartfelt condolences to the Booi family following the death of their child, Onalenna Booi (19). Onalenna passed away after undergoing the customary initiation at Dithakong village, in Mahikeng.
Molapisi said it is alleged that he was forcefully initiated and collapsed during the pass-out ceremony last weekend. He added that, Onalenna was certified dead at the home of the initiation principal.
“A case has been opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and no arrests have been made at this stage. We appeal for a speedy investigation to establish the cause of Onalenna’s death and to determine if all regulations as per the Customary Initiation Act of 2021 were followed.
“We send our deepest condolences to the Booi family and wish them strength during this difficult period. We also appeal to the SAPS to speedily investigate the circumstances that led to his tragic death,” he said.
Molapisi further said if the postmortem results indicate foul play, those responsible must be arrested immediately and face prosecution. He added that, where possible, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) must impose a harsher sentence so that this serves as a deterrent to those who want to contaminate our sacred cultural practices.
“The death of Onalenna brings the total number of initiates who have died during this Summer Initiation Season to three. To date, the Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC) has shut down seven illegal initiation schools and rescued 68 initiates.
“SAPS has effected six arrests, with all suspects charged with contravening Section 33 of the Customary Initiation Act of 2021. The pass-out of initiates began two weeks ago and will continue until all initiation schools close on 9 January 2026,” said Molapisi.
The Guardian 