The Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane has guaranteed the families of the illegal miners that the Lesotho government will facilitate the repatriation process of those bodies to their families.

Mr. Matekane made these remarks when conveying his condolences to the families of the deceased during his visit staged at Bela-Bela Principal Chief premises on Thursday.

His visit follows an incident in which reports show that the deceased miners lost their lives after the two explosions which happened underground in one of the closed mines at Virginia, Welkom in May.

Mr. Matekane said the tragedy has left the country in shock of losing such youth, adding that the most painful issue is that such an incidence has affected members of one region of Matšekheng.

He assured the families that the government will facilitate the issues of conducting the DNA tests before the bodies can be handed over to their families as some have lost shape and features.

He said it is painful that such people have left the country with the intention to support their families and are now leaving behind their new families.

Mr. Matekane stressed that what God has planned no one can change hence encouraging the families to accept, adding that the government will support the bereaved until the final stage.

Sharing the same sentiments, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane said it is sad that the lack of jobs and opportunities has caused most Basotho to cross the borders seeking means of living and encountering such different accidents along the way.

Mr. Mpotjoane also assured the deceased families that they are collaborating with their South African counterparts to ensure the smooth facilitation of the process of recovering the bodies from the mines.

Representing Berea Members of Parliament, Professor Ntoi Rapapa said they are deeply saddened by the passing of young souls who are leaving behind their families.

Prof. Rapapa expressed his gratitude to the government for showing support through the Minister of Foreign Affairs for taking an active role ever since they heard about the incident.

The Principal Chief of Kueneng and Mapoteng, Chief Peete Lesaoana Peete said the untimely death of their people has hit them hard as Matšekha people, saying the incident has left them helpless because most of them come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Chief Lesaoana said they see a sign of hope through the initiative done by the government to mourn for their deceased people.

Representing the families of the deceased, Mr. Moeti Sempe Ramaema said the issue has left them wondering because they all interrelate as a community, but each family is now mourning for their beloved ones.

Mr. Ramaema pleaded with the government to support them with the repatriation of the bodies and DNA tests so that they can give them a proper burial and speed up the healing process.

Another family member of the deceased, Mr. Mosala Mosala urged the government to have mercy on the new widows and encouraged the government to regularly update them because they seem to be clueless about what is happening.

More than 30 deceased bodies are reported to come from areas that include Bela-Bela, Mosalemane, Mapoteng and others.

Source: LENA 01/06/2023