Two Basotho passed on while 15 are hospitalised with minor to serious injuries after the fire burned down the factories, they worked for in Kwazulu- Natal, South Africa last Saturday.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane, revealed this at the press briefing held at Ministry’s premises in Maseru on Monday.
Mr. Mpotjoane said on the 12th of June, two factories namely; China City and Buy and Pay burned down, saying the cause of the fire is still unknown.
He said many Basotho worked in these factories where a total of 17 were affected and two died at the scene, 15 were hospitalised, saying later eight with minor injuries were released while four are still hospitalised and the other three are still in critical condition.
Meanwhile, regarding the alleged trapped illegal miners in Virginia, South Africa, the Minister said Lesotho with the help from South Africa will exhume and repatriate the bodies of the trapped miners into the country.
On behalf of the Lesotho Government, he thanked the government of South Africa for their cooperation and even for strengthening relations between the two countries.
Mr. Mpotjoane noted that the Government of Lesotho does not support criminal activities but is working hard to create job opportunities in the country so that Basotho can work in their country.
In conclusion, he said the Government of Lesotho reprimands and appeals to all Basotho living in South Africa always to obey the law.
By Staff Reporter: Noliwe Velaphe
