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Mec Molapisi Strongly Condemns The Alleged Abduction Of Nine Boys In Matile Village

North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional AffairsRef: https://cogta.nwpg.gov.za/2026/06/22/mec-molapisi-strongly-condemns-the-alleged-abduction-of-nine-boys-in-matile-village/

Official source

Source domain: cogta.nwpg.gov.za

Collected on 17 July 2026

Always confirm details on the official source before acting.

Our copy (archived 25 July 2026)Official source

What this means

This is a media statement issued by the North West Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs. On 22 June 2026, MEC Oageng Gaoage Molapisi strongly condemned the alleged abduction of nine boys from Matile Village, which is believed to involve an illegal initiation school outside Mahikeng. The statement says a case of abduction has been opened at Itsoseng Police Station and investigations are underway, and it reports that additional initiates were rescued from other illegal initiation schools in Orkney (Moretele and Kanana) and placed into registered schools. The department calls on law enforcement and the community to help locate the children and identify those responsible.

Facts

Places

North West, Mahikeng Local Municipality

Reference

https://cogta.nwpg.gov.za/2026/06/22/mec-molapisi-strongly-condemns-the-alleged-abduction-of-nine-boys-in-matile-village/

Key Takeaways

  • North West MEC: Oageng Gaoage Molapisi
  • Alleged abduction: nine (9) boys in Matile Village (outside Mahikeng)
  • Believed location: illegal initiation school
  • Date of media statement: Monday, 22 June 2026
  • Case opened: Itsoseng Police Station (abduction)
  • Ransom alleged to be demanded to secure release
  • Threat alleged: parent threatened with sharp objects
  • Legal requirement: only legally authorised initiation schools may operate
  • Registered initiation schools mentioned: Springbokpan (one), Sheila Village (one), Bodibe Village (three)
  • Additional rescues: 24 initiates (18 boys, 6 girls) from Moretele Sub-district and Kanana Township in Orkney
  • Moretele: principals arrested/detained at Moeka Vuma Police Station; cases opened
  • Kanana: two female principals charged for allegedly using fraudulent permits; cases opened
  • Action requested: contact nearest police station or relevant law enforcement authorities
  • Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (North West)
  • MEC Oageng Gaoage Molapisi
  • Provincial Initiation Coordinating Committee (PICC)
  • Mr Andries Stemmer (Deputy Chairperson, PICC)
  • Itsoseng Police Station
  • South African Police Service
  • Moeka Vuma Police Station
  • Traditional leaders
  • Ward councillors
  • Lerato Gambu
  • Thebeetsile Keameditse

Dates

Closing Date

22 June 2026