At least five initiates have died in North West during this initiation season.

The North West government has expressed profound sadness and extended its heartfelt condolences to the families of two young initiates who tragically lost their lives during the 2026 winter initiation season. One initiate died at a registered initiation school in Bodibe Village, while the other died at an illegal initiation school in Khuma. Authorities have since closed the illegal school and rescued 41 initiates, who were taken for medical treatment. Nationally, at least 43 initiates have died, while authorities have opened 116 criminal cases and shut down dozens of illegal initiation schools this year. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Northwest Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs spokesperson Thebeetsile Keameditse