Botha-Bothe, July 25 – The Minister of Energy and Mining and Member of Parliament for Hololo Constituency Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane, has revealed that the government is still engaged in discussions with families of the eight men who lost their lives in the tragic road accident that occurred at Mahlasela on July 11, 2026.
The Minister made the remarks during the funeral service of Morobele Selebalo Socket and Paballo Mafeka at Ha Shepeseli on Saturday, where hundreds of mourners gathered to pay their last respects.
He said no one had anticipated that such a tragedy would occur.
“If God did not want those men to die in that accident, something could have happened, such as the vehicle getting stuck or another event preventing the tragedy. The important thing now is to ensure that nothing like this ever happens again.
“We have to make sure that people and the goods carried by trucks are transported separately to prevent such incidents,” he said.
Mr. Mpotjoane also noted that Botha-Bothe needs a football stadium so that the district can host more football matches and sporting events.
Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship Affairs, Mr. Nkhethoa Seetsa, said every occupation carries its own risks, adding that death is one of life’s painful realities that everyone will eventually face.
He acknowledged that many people may be searching for answers but said only God knows why such events happen. He encouraged football players who witnessed the dedication and commitment shown by the deceased to emulate their example.
Member of Parliament for Matlakeng Constituency Dr. Mahali Phamotse, said she was deeply hurt by the tragedy as she was related to Paballo Mafeka. She added that, as a passionate supporter of football, she had developed a close bond with many of the players.
Dr. Phamotse appealed to the government to prioritize the safety of its citizens and ensure that such a tragedy is never repeated.
One of the team’s coaches, Mr. Moutela Moutela, said the team was devastated by the loss of the two players, describing them as irreplaceable. Friends and fellow players also shared memories of the deceased, speaking about the dreams and plans they had for the future, which have now been cut short.
Speaking on behalf of the District Council, Mr. Thabo Mpholo said staff members were struggling to come to terms with the loss of colleagues who had become like family.
“We are deeply sorry to the bereaved families because we are the ones who sent them to work. We never imagined that sending them to work would mean they would never return home,” he said.
With tears in her eyes, Lipalesa Morobele, sister to Morobele Selebalo Socket, reflected on the cherished memories she shared with her younger brother, including celebrating his birthday earlier this month.
Paballo Mafeka’s uncle, Mr. Michael Seinoli, criticized the circumstances that led to the tragedy, saying it should never have been allowed to happen.
“This was a very careless mistake. Who, in their right mind, allows 13 people to travel on top of crushed stones? Even if the accident had not happened, these people would still have suffered from the severe cold they endured during the journey,” he said.
The funeral was attended by large numbers of young people, reflecting the popularity of the deceased, who were both well-known football players.
Morobele Selebalo Socket was born on July 5, 2002. He was the first-born child of Manini Edwin Morobele and Malipalesa Morobele. He began playing football at the age of 10 and was, at the time of his death, a player for B-B Warriors Football Club.
Paballo Mafeka was born on August 18, 1994. He was the only child of Mr. Lefa Mafeka and Ms. Mapaballo Mafeka. He captained Litshehlo Football Club until his untimely death.
The other two victims were laid to rest at Ha Nqabeni and Baroeng respectively, while the remaining four victims are expected to be buried next Saturday and Sunday.
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