Maseru, Feb. 09 —A memorial service will be held at the site of the tragic shooting near Meyerton in South Africa, where five Basotho nationals were among six people killed earlier this month.
This was confirmed by Government Spokesperson Mr Boitelo Rabele in an interview with the Lesotho News Agency (LENA).
Mr Rabele said the memorial ceremony, scheduled for Tuesday, will bring together families of the deceased, community leaders and other stakeholders to honour and pay tribute to the victims of the brutal attack.
He added that the service will take place at the scene of the incident on the R59 road near Meyerton, south of Johannesburg, where the deadly ambush occurred, shocking both Basotho and South African communities.
On Tuesday, February 3, a minibus taxi transporting travellers from Johannesburg to Lesotho was ambushed on the R59 highway near Meyerton, about 50 kilometres south of Johannesburg. Armed assailants travelling in a stolen vehicle allegedly drove alongside the minibus before opening fire without warning.
The attack caused the vehicle to overturn, killing six passengers on the spot and injuring at least 18 others, who were rushed to nearby health facilities for medical treatment.
Following the incident, three suspects were arrested after a coordinated police operation involving K9 units, drones and helicopters. The suspects reportedly abandoned their initial vehicle and attempted to evade arrest by hijacking another car before being apprehended by the South African Police Service.
Police have since opened cases of six counts of murder, 18 counts of attempted murder, carjacking and possession of a hijacked vehicle. Investigations are continuing as authorities work to establish the motive behind the attack.
The memorial service is expected to provide an opportunity for collective mourning and reflection on the lives lost in what has become one of the most tragic cross-border incidents involving Basotho travellers in recent memory.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to ensure the successful repatriation of the bodies of the deceased Basotho nationals.
Ends/NT/BM
