13 Jan 2026

Matsiloje’ s close proximity to Zimbabwe, separated only by the Ramokgwebana River and less than a kilometre from the village of Maboledi in Zimbabwe, has long fostered social and cultural ties across the border.

But community leaders say that this closeness has now given rise to a disturbing trend, with day scholar female students from Matsiloje Junior Secondary School allegedly crossing into Zimbabwe to engage in risky sexual relationships.

From Matsiloje, the lights of neighbouring Maboledi are visible and voices can be heard across Ramokgwebana River. What could be a symbol of cross-border kinship has now become a growing source of concern for village leadership.

“Yes, we are disturbed as the leadership of the village by the behaviour of these female students,” said Kgosi Solomon Segopa of Matsiloje.

He explained that the community was grappling with this disturbing trend amongst female students who were engaging in risky behaviour, including crossing the border into Zimbabwe for illicit activities.

Kgosi Segopa explained that the school management had taken steps to address the issue, summoning students and parents to the main kgotla for reprimand. He nonetheless expressed frustration, saying some parents seem to condone their daughter’s actions.

“Some students have told us that their parents say they are now “women” and should fend for themselves,” he said.

Kgosi Segopa explained that the village’s proximity to Zimbabwe, with some areas just a kilometre away, had made it easier for the students to sneak across. In addition, he noted that the student’s disregard for safety was alarming, especially since they were using ungazetted entry points.

“The border fence is no obstacle for them. It is like cutting through butter with a hot knife,” he explained, highlighting the ease with which they cross into the neighbouring country.

He said the situation has become so dire that some senior secondary schools in the region are reluctant to admit students from Matsiloje, out of fear of them possibly influencing other students to engage in wayward behaviour.

Chairperson of Matsiloje JSS Parents and Teachers Association (PTA), Ms Agnes Moloiswa said they recorded three cases of female students crossing into Zimbabwe and one pregnancy case involving a local man. Ms Moloiswa suspects that the students could have been lured by illegal gold miners to skip the country.

“These girls are being attracted to gold smugglers and some parents are condoning it,” she added.

She attributed this to economic hardships, with some parents encouraging their daughters to ‘fend for themselves.’ Ms Moloiswa said the students involved have been caned and reprimanded at the main kgotla.

The school head, Mr Lebogang Setilo said the incident has tarnished the school’s reputation.

“We reported the case to the leadership of the village to assist and we have been working with the parents to address the issue,” he added. BOPA