Botha-Bothe, July 13 — Grief continued to engulf families in Botha-Bothe on Monday evening as the Minister of Local Government and Chieftainship Affairs, Mr. Nkhethoa Seetsa, visited households that lost loved ones in a tragic road accident that claimed eight lives last weekend.
The victims died on Saturday when a truck transporting casual labourers along the Main North 1 Road at Mahlasela crashed into a rock while travelling to Mokhotlong. The vehicle was carrying 12 people, eight of whom died in the accident.
As relatives received the minister and other government officials, emotions ran high, with many breaking down in tears as the reality of their loss continued to sink in.
The families had expected their sons to return home after work, never imagining that the journey would end in tragedy.
According to the District Council Secretary, Mr. Mathulise Mathulise, the truck was transporting crushed stone and 11 casual labourers and a driver employed by the Botha-Bothe District Council were taking the crushed stone to Mokhotlong. The council had been assisting the Mokhotlong District Council with preparations for the King’s Birthday celebrations scheduled for July 17, 2026.
“We have been assisting our colleagues in Mokhotlong in preparation for the upcoming event, and these men were transporting the crushed stone to Mokhotlong. All 11 men were casual labourers employed by the Botha-Bothe District Council.
“We are devastated by the loss of these men. Since Saturday, we have been working closely with the relevant authorities and the bereaved families to ensure that the deceased are laid to rest with dignity,” he said before breaking down in tears.
Mr. Mathulise said the District Council, together with the District Administrator’s office and the families, had identified the bodies. He added that post-mortem examinations are scheduled for Thursday.
He further said officials have already visited seven of the bereaved families and pledged to continue supporting them throughout the mourning period.
During the visit, Mr. Seetsa prayed with each of the four families he visited, conveying the Government of Lesotho’s condolences.
“This is a painful moment for everyone affected by this tragedy. However, darkness does not last forever. We mourn, but we must also continue with life because God has granted us time.
“None of us anticipated that such a tragedy would happen, but we cannot question God’s will. We must continue to trust Him because He remains the Almighty God,” he said while praying for strength and comfort for the bereaved families.
District Administrator, Mr. Ts’epa Chaba assured the families that the Government of Lesotho would continue to support them throughout their bereavement.
He encouraged them to open their hearts to receive the support being offered, saying the tragic accident had deeply affected the entire nation.
One of the bereaved fathers, Mr. Lefa Mafeka, expressed gratitude for the government’s visit, saying it had strengthened the families to know they would not face the difficult journey alone.
He said his son and the other deceased from Ha Shepeseli village will be buried together on July 25, 2026.
Mr. Seetsa had also visited the other 4 patients at Queen Mamohato Memorial Hospital and confirmed that one of them has already been released from hospital. He said the other patient will be transferred to South Africa.
Member of Parliament for Botha-Bothe Constituency No. 5, Mr. Karabo Pholoda, also accompanied the minister during the visit.
Ends/MJM/tl
