BOTHA BOTHE— Botha-Bothe’s renowned humanitarian, Mr Clifford Tar, popularly known as “Mr Lifesaver”, today rescued patients who were stranded in snow after the ambulance transporting them became stuck at Moteng Pass.
In an interview with the Agency, Mr. Tar said he received a message early in the morning informing him that an ambulance had become trapped in the snow at Moteng.
“I asked myself why such incidents are still happening when weather warnings are always shared on different platforms before snowfall. However, I also realised that despite the situation, we cannot allow people to lose their lives. I therefore decided to see what I could do to help,” he said.
Mr. Tar said he packed emergency blankets and headed to Moteng. Upon arriving at the foot of the pass, he parked his vehicle and began walking to the stranded ambulance.
“I walked a long distance and halfway up the pass I met three shepherds whom I asked to assist me. They did not hesitate, and together we reached the ambulance,” he said.
He explained that they found two patients inside the ambulance: a critically ill pregnant woman and a man with a fractured bone whose condition was stable. The rescue team decided to prioritise the pregnant woman and carried her on a stretcher for approximately five kilometres down the pass from where the ambulance was stranded.
“Another ambulance from Botha-Bothe Hospital followed me to assist with the rescue operation, but it also became stuck in the snow. When we reached where I had parked my vehicle, I attempted to seek assistance from another ambulance but realised it would take too long to arrive.
“I then decided to use my own vehicle to transport the patient to Botha-Bothe Hospital. I am pleased to say that upon arrival, the patient was immediately transferred to Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital,” he said.
Mr Tar further urged members of the public to take precautionary measures and ensure their safety during severe weather conditions.
Meanwhile, Botha-Bothe District Disaster Manager Mrs Mojabeng Mohloki expressed concern that some people continue to ignore early warning messages issued by authorities. She said the Lesotho Meteorological Services, together with the Disaster Management Authority (DMA), regularly issue weather alerts through various communication platforms to ensure that the public takes the necessary precautions.
“In Botha-Bothe, whenever we receive warnings from the head office of DMA, my team and I make every effort to distribute the information through all available platforms, including community leaders, farmers, taxi owners and operators. This is to ensure that everyone receives the warnings in time and can prepare accordingly.
“However, it appears that some people still do not take these warnings seriously, as we continue to experience incidents such as this. I therefore urge everyone to heed early warning messages because they are issued to protect lives and discourage travel during dangerous weather conditions,” she said.
Mrs Mohloki also thanked Mr Tar for his bravery and commitment to saving lives, noting that while rescue operations in such conditions are extremely challenging, losing lives during disasters should never be accepted as inevitable.
She commended him for his continued service to the district and said words were insufficient to express appreciation for his unwavering support and the public education he provides to communities.
All passengers in the stranded ambulance were eventually rescued with the assistance of a Lesotho Defence Force ambulance that arrived after the pregnant woman had already been transported to safety. However, two trucks remain stuck at Moteng Pass.
Mr. Tar used his own resources throughout the rescue operation and also gave M200 to the shepherds who assisted him as a token of appreciation for their help.
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